Free Online Training Course On Biomedical Equipment: Repair, Maintenance And Healthcare Technology Management

Introduction: The main drivers for unavailability of medical equipment in low and middle income countries (LIMCs) is lack of trained biomedical engineers / technicians as well as a deficiency in proper management and prioritisation of device maintenance. Therefore, in close collaboration with different institutes active in LIMCs, we developed freely accessible online training courses on repair, maintain and management of medical devices. Methods: Two Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) were developed. One focuses on skills required to effectively maintain and repair 18 medical devices, covering diagnostic, therapeutic and analytical devices. Another focuses on advancing and strengthening the knowledge of healthcare management professionals in effective methods of managing the life cycle of biomedical equipment, such as procurement, budgeting, keeping an inventory and methods of disposal. Both courses have a mixture of reading, videos, background material, discussion boards, and quizzes. The courses are freely accessible, but a USD50 verified track is offered to receive a certificate on completion, with 95% discount for learners applying for financial support. Access to the courses on EdX through: https://www.edx.org/learn/biomedical-engineering/delft-university-of-technology-biomedical-equipment-repairing-and-maintaining-biomedical-devices https://www.edx.org/learn/biomedical-engineering/delft-university-of-technology-biomedical-equipment-a-practical-approach-to-healthcare-technology-management Results: The first MOOC started in May 2022 and had over 17.000 enrolments from over 160 countries. The second MOOC open since September 2023 had over 3000 enrolments. For these courses, around 10% is verified. From all learners, ~20% had high school or lower degree, ~60% a college, and ~20% an advanced degree, of which 70%/30% was male/female. Student feedback is very positive. More than 95% found the course unique, interesting and useful. The difficulty was graded about right by 80%. Conclusion: The free online courses so far successfully reached over 20.000 biomedical enthusiasts across the world, including many LMICs. The high number of learner enrolment indicates a clear need for these courses which aims to increase the availability of working medical equipment in hospitals.