A Brazilian model of distance education in physical medicine and rehabilitation based on videoconferencing and Internet learning.

We have developed an integrated educational model in rehabilitation mediated by technology. Three teams of professionals worked to implement the interactive model based on videoconferencing, use of the Internet and three-dimensional (3-D) animated models. Two courses were created: amputee rehabilitation and back pain. Each course was divided into four phases: (1) a first videoconference; (2) Internet-based learning; (3) a second videoconference (workshop); (4) an Internet discussion list. The Internet-based learning modules were divided into topics by multiple-choice questions. Multisite videoconferences were used to connect the remote sites. Eleven animated 3-D models were created to help the teaching process. Each course had 11 modules, and each module required up to 2 h to be completed. There were 136 participants on the two courses. None of the participants, including the teachers, had had any previous experience with Internet-based learning and videoconferencing. The integrated educational model has great potential in a country the size of Brazil, where there may be difficulties in travel for patients with disabilities and for health-care professionals.