ISRRT_COVID-19_book

chat functions during the sessions. Cognitive understanding of learners cannot be fully
ascertained despite having online quizzes, although it is undeniably an important component
to ensure that learners truly acquire the knowledge.
The lack of a conducive environment is an obstacle for optimal learning. Not every individual
has a private space to learn during a scheduled CPD session. When the CPD session occurs
after office hours, an individual may be multi-tasking on shift work, juggling with work-life
balance, or with small children at home. Listening to talks on mobile smartphones on-the-go,
may lack the full attention span needed to optimally retain information. HCPs will have to
weigh the benefits of attending CPD sessions and managing their time. Speaker time-zones
influence the timing of the CPD sessions. CPD organisers will have to accommodate the most
appropriate schedule that fits both overseas and local speakers who are required to be
available for a live moderated session. Attending CPD in solitary has its drawback when
participants will not be able to interact or even consult with their peers during the session.
The social isolation reduces the possibility of active team-based learning, and confirming key
learning points together.
The possibility of poor infrastructural deficits can cause technical glitches, making CPD
sessions disruptive. 5 Slow internet speeds are a huge problem for participants in certain
countries as a higher internet bandwidth is costly and may not be easily accessible. The use
of home-wired internet would be preferable than WiFi, however under-developed regions
may not have sufficient internet speed. Furthermore, there may be a need to invest in a full
or corporate E-learning account to accommodate participants and maintain adequate
internet cyber security. 4, 6
Another key implication is that conference venues may no longer be relevant. When
lockdowns occurred globally, many venues closed and there were massive cancellations of
planned conferences and events. The large economic loss has led many companies to close
their conference venues permanently. The revenues in which countries could incur from
tourism would not be obtainable. Due to this, local conference organisers cannot acquire their
country tourism board benefits which in tenet, assist organisers to capitalise on a conference
programme set-up and provide country tours for foreign delegates, indirectly boosting the
economy of the country.
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