Article

Evaluation of an Asynchronous Virtual Course for Continuing Education in Radiation Protection in Nuclear Medicine in Latin America: Outcomes and Lessons Learned

¹ Department of Physical Sciences, Centre of Physics and Engineering in Health (CFIS), Universidad de La Frontera. Ave. Francisco Salazar 01145, Temuco, Chile
² Doctoral student, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
³ President of ALFIM 2022–2025, Costa Rica
⁴ Vice-president of ALFIM 2022–2025, Guatemala
⁵ Centro Oncológico Anna Rocca de Bonatti, CETAC Juncal, Argentina
⁶ Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital, Havana, Cuba
⁷ Universidad Católica de Salta, Argentina
⁸ Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, Havana, Cuba

^* Corresponding author: adlin.lopez@ufrontera

Received: 12 December 2024
Accepted: 14 April 2025

Abstract

This study critically evaluates the outcomes of the first Asynchronous Virtual Course organized by the Latin American Association of Medical Physics (ALFIM), titled “Reference Levels for Diagnosis in Nuclear Medicine”, designed for professionals in the field, comprised both theoretical and practical components. The teaching outcomes were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively, digital tracking of participant engagement in the pre-recorded theoretical activities on YouTube, as well as the results of the theoretical (Google questionnaire) and practical (exercise and report) formative assessments. Additionally, a quality survey was also conducted to gather participants’ opinions on various aspects of the course. The course had 315 participants from 21 countries. 99 completed the theoretical evaluation with 100% achieving satisfactory results. 43 participants finished the planned practical activities, demonstrating the application of acquired competencies. The quality survey, completed by 40 attendees, indicated that 68% considered this type of course entirely feasible and beneficial, 17% deemed it very feasible, and 15% found it sufficiently feasible. The survey also identified areas for improvement. The strategy for developing virtual courses using YouTube and Google tools is viable and effective for establishing continuous education programs in the region.