Introduction:
There is an increased need for improving data science skills of healthcare professionals. Massive
Open Online Courses (MOOCs) provide the opportunity to train professionals in a sustainable and
cost-effective way. We present a protocol for the design and development of a blended MOOC on
RWE aimed at improving RWE data science skills. The primary objective is to provide the opportunity
to understand the fundamentals of RWE data science and to implement methods for analysing RWD.
The blended format of the MOOC will combine the expertise of healthcare professionals joining the
course online with the students on-campus. We expect learners to take skills taught in the MOOC
and use them to seek new employment or start to initiatives in these domains.
Methods and Analysis:
The proposed MOOC will be developed through a blended format using the ADDIE (Analysis, Design,
Development, Implementation and Evaluation) instructional design model and following the
connectivist-heutagogical learning theories (as a hybrid MOOC). The target learners will include
postgraduate students and professionals working in the health-related roles with interest in data
science. An evaluation of the MOOC will be performed to assess the MOOCs success in meeting its
intended outcomes and to improve future iterations of the course.
Ethics and dissemination:
The education course design protocol was approved by EIT Health (Grant 18654) as part of the EIT
Health CAMPUS Deferred Call for Innovative Education 2018. Results will be published in a peerreviewed
journal.