Meeting Continuing Education Needs Through Online Learning in Conflict Settings: Insights from Ukraine

INTRODUCTION: The war in Ukraine has disrupted health and education systems, limiting access to in-person continuing education at a time of increasing rehabilitation needs. Courses on an online learning platform were expanded and translated into Ukrainian to support both immediate and long-term professional development. This study examined how rehabilitation professionals and educators engaged with an online learning platform and how they perceived its relevance for clinical practice and teaching. METHODS: A convergent mixed-methods design was used. Data were collected from platform analytics, an anonymous online survey, and semistructured interviews. Platform analytics captured participation and completion trends after the translation of more than 400 courses into Ukrainian. The survey (n = 231) explored course selection, application of new knowledge, barriers and facilitators to implementation, and perceived practice changes. Interviews (n = 8) provided deeper insight into how participants integrated online learning into clinical care and education. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed separately and integrated during interpretation. RESULTS: Between October 2024 and September 2025, 2189 Ukrainian users completed 21,647 courses, including 11,784 completed in Ukrainian translation. Survey respondents self-reported greater confidence, improved use of evidence-informed decision making, and changes in clinical and teaching practices. Common barriers included limited equipment and difficulty adapting content, whereas facilitators included course relevance, language accessibility, and personal motivation. Interview analysis generated two themes: translating online learning into complex case management and enhancing classroom teaching through online resources. DISCUSSION: This case highlights engagement with accessible, contextually adapted online learning supported professional development and knowledge sharing during a period of significant system disruption.