Comparison of learning outcomes and satisfaction of postgraduate public health students enrolled in online, on-campus, and multimodal courses

In recent years, the landscape of tertiary education, particularly in health professions, has undergone significant transformations due to advancements in technology and shifts in educational paradigms. The advent of online learning platforms and the increasing demand for flexible learning options have led to the proliferation of various course delivery methods, including online, on-campus, and multimodal (blended) formats. These changes have been further accelerated by the global COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated a rapid transition to remote learning and highlighted the need for robust and adaptable educational models. Health professions education, which traditionally relies heavily on hands-on training and face-to-face interactions, faces unique challenges and opportunities in this evolving educational environment. The efficacy, satisfaction, and long-term outcomes of different delivery modes in this field remain areas of active investigation. This research project aims to provide a comprehensive comparative analysis of online, on-campus, and multimodal tertiary courses in health professions education, focusing on various critical dimensions including learning outcomes, student satisfaction, cost-effectiveness, and professional skills development. The rationale for this research project is grounded in the need to understand how different educational delivery methods impact the preparation of future health professionals. Health professions education requires a delicate balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, making the choice of delivery method particularly consequential. While online education offers unparalleled flexibility and accessibility, on-campus education provides essential hands-on experiences and direct interactions. Multimodal courses attempt to blend the best of both worlds, but their effectiveness needs thorough evaluation. Key considerations driving this research include: 1. Quality of Learning Outcomes: It is imperative to determine whether students in online, on-campus, and multimodal courses achieve comparable levels of knowledge and skills, particularly in a field where competency directly affects patient care and safety. 2. Student Satisfaction and Engagement: Understanding student preferences and satisfaction levels across different delivery modes can inform curriculum design and improve educational experiences. Engaged and satisfied students are more likely to succeed and persist in their studies. 3. Cost-Benefit Analysis: With educational institutions facing financial constraints and students burdened by rising tuition costs, a cost-benefit analysis can help identify the most economically viable and educationally effective delivery methods. 4. Adaptability and Professional Preparedness: Assessing how well students and faculty adapt to different teaching and learning environments can highlight areas for improvement in training and support. Additionally, examining the preparedness of graduates for real-world professional challenges is crucial for maintaining high standards in health professions. 5. Access and Equity: Ensuring equitable access to quality education across different demographic groups is a fundamental goal. This research will investigate whether certain delivery methods inadvertently create or alleviate barriers to education. 6. Technological Integration: The integration of advanced technologies in education, such as virtual labs and simulation software, offers potential benefits but also poses challenges that need to be understood and addressed. By addressing these considerations, this project seeks to generate evidence-based insights that can guide educational institutions in designing and implementing effective, equitable, and sustainable health professions education programs. The findings will be valuable to educators, administrators, policymakers, and students, ultimately contributing to the advancement of health professions education and the betterment of healthcare delivery Methods Mixed method study Quantitative component : Analysis of enrolment, assessment and satisfaction data Qualitative component : Focus group discussion and Reflective Journals of students and faculties