Using eHealth Data to Inform CPD for Medical Practitioners: A Scoping Review with a Consultation Exercise with International Experts

Abstract

Introduction: eHealth data analytics is widely used in health care research. However, there is limited knowledge on the role of eHealth data analysis to inform continuing professional development (CPD). The aim of this study was to collate available research evidence on the use of eHealth data for the development of CPD programs and plans for medical practitioners. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the six-stage Arksey and O'Malley Framework. A consultation exercise (stage 6) was performed with 15 international experts in the fields of learning and practice analytics to deepen the insights. Results: Scoping review. The literature searches identified 9876 articles published from January 2010 to May 2022. After screening and full-text review, a total of nine articles were deemed relevant for inclusion. The results provide varied—and at times partial or diverging—answers to the scoping review research questions. Consultation exercise. Research rigor, field of investigation, and developing the field were the three themes emerged from analysis. Participants validated the scoping review methodology and confirmed its results. Moreover, they provided a meta-analysis of the literature, a description of the current CPD ecosystem, and clear indications of what is and should be next for the field. Discussion: This study shows that there is no formal or well-established correlation between eHealth data and CPD planning and programming. Overall findings fill a gap in the literature and provide a basis for further investigation. More foundational work, multidisciplinary collaborations, and stakeholders' engagement are necessary to advance the use of eHealth data analysis for CPD purposes.