Collaboration Initiated to Simplify Access to Healthcare Education Worldwide

A unique program has been developed to extend healthcare education in Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific.

Royal Philips Electronics (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) and the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT; Cardiff, UK) have combined forces to create the International Access to Learning (IAL) program. The program builds on the success of Philips' learning services and realizes the mission of both organizations: to improve the quality of radiographic and radiation therapy practice globally through access to education, sharing of best practices, and improved collaboration between clinicians.

The first phase of the IAL program is being piloted in three countries: Estonia, Fiji, and India. Participants will be able to select from Philips' catalog of more than 300 accredited clinical and business courses. Philips will provide these courses at no cost to the members of ISRRT Societies who can access program guidelines and registration via the ISRRT web site. Later phases of the program will assess the success of this pilot, as both organizations hope to broaden the offerings to members in additional countries and work collaboratively to deliver training of most need to ISRRT members.

"Medical imaging and radiation therapy practiced by fully qualified and highly trained individuals have become complex tasks, requiring the highest standards coupled with a respect and understanding of radiation safety,” said Robert George, president of the ISRRT. "Many countries now require each professional to attain and maintain continuous education as part of their licensing and registration processes. It is hoped that this relationship will enhance these opportunities and thus improve the quality of radiographic and radiation therapy practice worldwide.”

The program will commence in the first quarter of 2008, and will be monitored for content demand, international access, and further adoption of member organizations. In the future, Philips and ISRRT hope to work together to offer opportunities for member Societies to gain access to educational programs using the Philips Global Training Centers located in the United States, the Netherlands, and Singapore.

"We are pleased to implement this program as we recognize the global need for continuous education to maintain and advance clinical competencies,” said Douglas Dell, global director of Learning Services for Philips Healthcare. "We have designed our learning management system consistent with our brand: advanced technology designed around the customer that is easy to experience. By collaborating with the ISRRT, we can broadly extend our resources to audiences seeking quality education programs.”

The ISRRT represents member associations and societies totaling more than 300,000 radiographic professionals in more than 83 countries. Many of these countries have limited access to any post graduate education opportunities, but in an increasing number, these professionals are required to earn continuing education credits to maintain their certifications and stay up-to-date on current medical technologies. Philips Healthcare's customer services business aims to meet this need by simplifying access to education and training across the globe. Leveraging the Philips Learning Center, the company currently helps train more than 140,000 registered healthcare practitioners in more than 100 countries. With its novel learning management system devised to meet the specific needs of the healthcare industry, the company supports customers in every season of system ownership with advanced clinical and technical training.

The Philips Learning Center has provided healthcare professionals access to accredited clinical content since 1999. In addition to its 300 online courses, it also provides synchronous training, symposia and webinars through the Philips Virtual Classroom Network.


Related Links:
Royal Philips Electronics
International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists