Web-based Training of European Hematologists

The paper describes the preliminary results of a European research project to develop and evaluate an on-line integrated web-based educational platform for hematology. The goal of the system is to improve and harmonize professional skills and competences in this medical field. A classification of target users has been carried out together with main interaction scenarios. European institutions running certified programs in hematological education, training and accreditation have been involved in the project. Students, physicians, nurses and technical staff doing hematological education and training will be the potential users of this system together with expert hematologists who need continuing training and all physicians of linked specialties (as pathologists, laboratory physicians, geneticists, immunohematologists, pediatricians, oncologists) who may take advantage of these scientific contents. Starting from an analysis of user requirements, the main items of clinical cases to be accessible on the web site have been identified. A first version of the web site is now under development and testing; such a learning tool will be available to the medical community starting from the end of this year.