Study title

This project aims to explore the role digital health platforms play in improving clinical work and healthcare in developing countries. We focus on MedicineAfrica—a digital health platform that enables UK-based clinicians (tutors) to teach online medical students and clinicians (tutees) based in post-conflict regions with weak health services. We propose a multimethod research study involving interviews with local tutees in Somaliland, where MedicineAfrica has extensive activity and an established user base, and netnography for which MedicineAfrica have granted us access. We aim to (a) explore tutees’ learning experience of the use of MedicineAfrica; (b) assess MedicineAfrica’s wider impact on clinical work, medical knowledge and healthcare delivery in the Somaliland context; and (c) produce actionable recommendations as to how online medical education can help to build capacity in developing countries. The study is of value to a multidisciplinary audience involving social and medical scientists, healthcare providers and platform directors.