SYSTEMATIC OVERVIEW OF TECHNOLOGY USE IN HEALTH EDUCATION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FUTURE

Abstract

The landscape of health education is undergoing a fundamental transformation driven by the rapid integration of digital technologies. This systematic overview examines the current state of technology use in health professions education, ranging from screen-based simulations and mobile learning to immersive virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI). Evidence from numerous systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggests that digital education is generally as effective as, and in some domains more effective than, traditional educational methods. Specifically, technologies like virtual patients and VR show significant promise in improving clinical reasoning, procedural skills, and cognitive outcomes. However, the implementation of these technologies is not without challenges. Key barriers include the need for specialized teacher training, significant infrastructural requirements, and ethical considerations surrounding AI and data privacy. Furthermore, while short-term learning outcomes are well-documented, there is a notable lack of evidence regarding long-term patient outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of these interventions. Looking forward, the future of health education lies in the strategic integration of AI and digital literacy into curricula, the development of standardized competency frameworks, and the use of scalable digital tools to address the global shortage of healthcare professionals. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of these trends and offers recommendations for future research and implementation.