E-learning for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: an environmental scan of the scope and content of free online training modules

Abstract

Many health and social care professionals have identified the need for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder training, yet this training has not always been accessible, especially in regional, rural, and remote locations. E-learning can overcome barriers to in-person training, and several e-learning resources for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder exist online. This study undertook an environmental scan to locate and describe freely available English language e-learning modules for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, to understand the scale and scope of what they encompass. A data extraction tool was created to describe the content and characteristics, including the focus, level of complexity, target audience, and information formats used. Fifteen e-Learning modules met the inclusion criteria for the study. Each provided a general background on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, including its prevalence, causes, signs, and symptoms, and some provided more in-depth medical and diagnostic information. Many of the modules lacked content related to the social factors that impact the lived experience of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, the strengths of individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and the diagnosis, management, and support of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in adults.

Keywords:

• FASD
• fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
• e-learning
• online training
• professional development
• rural and regional
• disability

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Elyse Stokes for her contribution to this project.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).