FOAMed Modalities as a Tool for Higher Medical Education: an Analytical Literature Review

Purpose of the research. The rapid digital transformation of higher medical education is leading to a rethinking of traditional pedagogical approaches, necessitating a search for more flexible and accessible teaching tools. In this context, FOAMed (Free Open Access Medical Education), an international movement promoting free and open medical education, has gained popularity. This literature review aims to analyze existing modalities used within FOAMed, including podcasts, video content, social media, and blogs. Furthermore, an analysis of their educational potential was conducted.

Materials and methods. For the information search, we used PubMed, the largest international database of scientific publications. Articles were searched using the keywords “FOAMed”, “Medical Education”, “Digital pedagogy”, “Podcast”, “Vodcast”, “Social media”, and “Free Open Access Medical Education”. The search was focused on publications dedicated to the education of medical students, interns, practicing physicians, and mid-level medical professionals. 864 scientific publications from the past 10 years were identified, 32 of which were used in this literature review because they were available in full text and met the objectives of this review.

Results. The review shows that FOAMed encompasses a variety of educational modalities – podcasts, video content, social media, and blogs – each with its own pedagogical advantages and potential limitations. These formats not only complement traditional education but also create a new educational environment where activity, motivation, and knowledge accessibility play a key role. FOAMed is particularly significant in the context of the media activity of the Faculty of higher medical education. This opens up opportunities for expanding educational influence, shaping professional image, developing pedagogical innovations, and creating global networking. The lecturer becomes not just knowledge holder but also an active participant in the digital educational field, capable of creating, disseminating, and interpreting knowledge within the modern media paradigm.

Conclusion. FOAMed has the potential to become an important component of the teaching activities and educational strategy of the medical university, especially in the context of hybrid and distance learning. Potential for incorporating FOAMed into official educational programs and areas for further research were also identified.

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