Implementation of a distance learning program focused on continuing medical education with the support of patent-based data mining

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present the use of a free code computational tool, Patent2net, in the search of patents for the implementation of distance learning aimed at Continuing Medical Education. Design/methodology/approach - This technical report is based on the extraction, organization and availability, in the format of graphs and dynamic tables, and also based on information in other patents on the subject, made available in the Espacenet database. Findings - As a result, it was possible to identify a Chinese patent, free for reproduction in Brazil, which describes an e-learning system that simulates 3D scenarios for training nursing teams. Research limitations/implications - The paper has used one unique patent database, but containing more than 100m documents. Practical implications - The selected patent can contribute to the improvement of care and behavioral techniques of the health professionals. Social implications - The training of health professionals can improve the public and supplementary health systems. Originality/value - This is the first paper in that de technometric analisys of patents was used to solve a problem regarding the training of health professionals.