Introduction: In 2009, the MOHAN Foundation, a Non-Government Organisation, launched structured training programs for medical and paramedical professionals. These courses were designed to equip them with essential knowledge and skills to enhance organ donation rates in India and neighboring countries. Initially conducted in person until 2017, the foundation shifted to online modules to accommodate the busy schedules of healthcare workers.
Methods: The MOHAN Foundation offers various online courses developed on an open source platform called MOODLE. This learning management platform comes with many plugins that make the learning very interactive. The courses consist of text, PowerPoint and video modules filmed to make the learning very immersive and interactive. Assessments are integrated into each lesson of the course. The courses offered include:
- One-year Post Graduate Diploma in Transplant Coordination and Grief Counselling, featuring blended learning.
- Six-week Transplant Coordination Professional Certificate course.
- Brainstem death - Identification, certification, donor optimization, and supported through free downloadable apps.
- Family counselling and conversations on organ donation through simulations and case discussions.
- Legal aspects of organ donation & transplantation and their applications in hospital setting.
These courses vary in duration, ranging from 20 to 480 hours.
Results: This online educational effort has attracted 1,181 participants from India and globally from Feb 2017 to Feb 2024. The affordability (ranging from $25 to $250) and high-quality content have drawn candidates not only from India but from other diverse countries, including Vietnam, Qatar, Nepal, Spain, Pakistan, Botswana, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Nigeria, Singapore, Bangladesh, Ghana, and Saudi Arabia. An impressive 99% of participants rated the training as good to excellent, with 95% finding the course content particularly engaging. Word-of-mouth recommendations have been a significant driver of new enrolments, underscoring the program's impact and value. Imparting soft interpersonal skills can be challenging online. Various new learning techniques to impart knowledge such as gamifications of the content has been tested.
Conclusion: The shift to online education by the MOHAN Foundation has significantly expanded the reach and effectiveness of training for healthcare professionals committed to improving organ donation practices. The interactive learning experience makes this initiative promising in enhancing the capacity of healthcare professionals not just from India and South Asia, but worldwide.