Continual Professional Development in the Digital Age

How Technology Aids Learning

Sharing of information has come a long way in the last decade. A quick search on the internet can reveal text, photos and videos on virtually any topic. The quality may vary, but whether we like it or not the information is out there.

 In fact, it now seems ridiculous that when I was an undergraduate in the 1990s, I used to get the tube around London to visit varying medical libraries to photocopy articles to read as part of my studies. It would often take a whole day to collect the information I was looking for.

Nowadays, if I want to pick up some tips from recognised experts across the globe, I use my laptop or phone. Many sites have free videos and downloads, which are instantly available. A quick browse on YouTube, or a link on Twitter can instantly update me with the thoughts of respected individuals. This would have seemed impossible 10 years ago.

On this note, I have just filmed a video for a Golf Specific iphone app. This will be accessible to anyone across the world. It will also be freely available on YouTube. I couldn’t have comprehended this concept during my undergraduate days. 

Don’t let technology distract you.

Continual learning is a big topic in Sports Medicine, as it is in most Professions. There are of course, many ways to learn including: reading; systematic reviews; randomly controlled trials; reading specialist books; watching DVDs; attending courses; and speaking with recognised experts. All these methods are valid, and continual learning is critical to improving your skills and outcomes. Most of us do all of these things almost sub-consciously, as we are constantly looking to improve.

However, I have always been a big believer in learning by doing. I find that taking time away from the clinic to reflect, focus and develop can be a huge source of learning. Spending time with individuals inside and outside my own Profession, discussing, observing and interacting is almost always an inspirational experience.

Like most people, I have learnt that I feed of the enthusiasm of others. Whilst academia in it’s various guises is important; learning by doing has a huge role to play and what’s more it can be great fun too, which is always a bonus! 

Andy Larmour

Chartered Physio

Clinical Director Ocean Physio & Rehab

Follow Andy on twitter @oceanphysio