An e-learning platform for managing seafarers’ health issues on board: pilot use on the Greek shipping industry

Kanella Zerva; Aikaterini Drylli; Aristeidis Chrysovergis; Georgios Chrysovitsiotis; Efthymios Kyrodimos

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20221003

Authors

Kanella Zerva National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
Aikaterini Drylli National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
Aristeidis Chrysovergis National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
Georgios Chrysovitsiotis National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6734-0542
Efthymios Kyrodimos National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20221003

Keywords:

Seafarers, Maritime, Health issues, E-learning platform, Training

Abstract

Background: It is well known that health management on board is a major challenge for maritime authorities, shipping companies, and seafarers. This paper presents the outcomes of the pilot use of an e-learning platform for dealing with mariners’ health issues aboard.

Methods: The survey took place in the Piraeus port (Attica, Greece) during November 2021-February 2022. Data were gathered from merchant ship mariners (n=41) by questionnaires at the Piraeus port, Athens, Greece. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed by the SPSS v23.0® and Microsoft excel© 365.

Results: Twenty-one seafarers (51.21%) were at the age group 31-40 years old, fifteen (36.58%) were at the age group 41-50 years old, four (9.75%) were at the age group 51-60 years old and 1 participant (2.43%) was over 60 years old. Twenty-six (63.41%) of the participants were occupied on deck department while fifteen (36.58%) in the engine room. A statistically significant higher score on web-test after the use of SeaHealth platform was confirmed by paired t test (p<0.001) (Figure 3).

Conclusions: The participants who used the e-learning platform improved their knowledge on first aid, increased their basic skills on medical care, and achieved more confidence in handling emergencies effectively aboard.

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