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Soklaridis S, Shier R, Zaheer R, Scully M, Williams B, Daniel SJ, Sockalingam S, Dang L, Tremblay M. "The genie is out of the bottle": a qualitative study on the impact of COVID-19 on continuing professional development. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2024; 24:631. [PMID: 38844926 PMCID: PMC11155036 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05498-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic catalysed a monumental shift in the field of continuing professional development (CPD). Prior to this, the majority of CPD group-learning activities were offered in-person. However, the pandemic forced the field to quickly pivot towards more novel methods of learning and teaching in view of social distancing regulations. The purpose of this study was to obtain the perspectives of CPD leaders on the impact of the pandemic to elucidate trends, innovations, and potential future directions in the field. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted between April-September 2022 with 23 CPD leaders from Canada and the USA. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and de-identified. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data and generate themes. RESULTS Participants characterised COVID-19 as compelling widespread change in the field of CPD. From the interviews, researchers generated six themes pertaining to the impact of the pandemic on CPD: (1) necessity is the mother of innovation, (2) the paradox of flexibility and accessibility, (3) we're not going to unring the bell, (4) reimagining design and delivery, (5) creating an evaluative culture, and (6) a lifeline in times of turmoil. CONCLUSION This qualitative study discusses the impact of the pandemic on the field of CPD and leaders' vision for the future. Despite innumerable challenges, the pandemic created opportunities to reform design and delivery. Our findings indicate a necessity to maintain an innovative culture to best support learners, to improve the healthcare system, and to prepare for future emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Soklaridis
- Department of Education Services, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- The Wilson Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 1025 Queen Street West B1 - 2nd Floor, Room 2300, Toronto, ON, M6J 1H4, Canada.
| | - Rowen Shier
- Department of Education Services, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rabia Zaheer
- Department of Education Services, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michelle Scully
- Department of Education Services, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Betsy Williams
- Professional Renewal Centre, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Wales Behavioral Assessment, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Sam J Daniel
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Continuing Professional Development Department, Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sanjeev Sockalingam
- Department of Education Services, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Wilson Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Linda Dang
- Slaight Family Centre for Youth in Transition, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Martin Tremblay
- Continuing Professional Development Department, Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Guilherme Couto J, McNulty JP, Sundqvist E, Hughes C, McFadden S. Evaluation of the quality and impact of online learning through the SAFE EUROPE webinars. Radiography (Lond) 2024; 30:869-881. [PMID: 38598886 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2024.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The SAFE EUROPE project, a European-funded project, addressed educational gaps of Therapeutic Radiographers/Radiation Therapists (TR/RTTs) by offering a series of free webinars. This study aimed to assess the quality of these webinars and their impact on professional practice. METHODS Data collection involved two methods: an automated feedback form administered after each webinar, supplemented by a survey disseminated through social media. The collected data encompassed attendance statistics, participants' professions and geographic locations, webinar quality assessment, the acquisition of new knowledge and skills, the application of this newfound knowledge in practice, and the likelihood of recommending these webinars. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyse the quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Ethical approval for the study was obtained. RESULTS 11,286 individuals from 107 countries participated in 18 webinars. Despite 72.7% being radiographers, a diverse array of professionals attended the webinars, including medical physicists, oncologists, radiologists, and academics. Remarkably, 98.7% of respondents rated the webinar quality as either good or excellent. The average rating for the likelihood of recommending these webinars to colleagues was 8.96/10. A substantial proportion of respondents expressed agreement or strong agreement that the webinars enhanced their knowledge (85%) and skills (73%). Furthermore, 79% of participants indicated that the webinars motivated them to change practice, with 65% having already implemented these changes. The insights from open-ended questions corroborated these findings. CONCLUSION The webinars effectively achieved the aim of the SAFE EUROPE project to enhance practice by increasing knowledge and skills. Participants overwhelmingly endorsed the quality of these webinars. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Webinars represent a cost-efficient training tool that reaches a global audience and various radiography/radiotherapy professions. The development of additional webinars is strongly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Guilherme Couto
- Radiography Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, MSD2090, Malta.
| | - J P McNulty
- European Federation of Radiographer Societies, Utrecht, the Netherlands; School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - E Sundqvist
- European Federation of Radiographer Societies, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway.
| | - C Hughes
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, UK.
| | - S McFadden
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, UK.
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Namatovu JF, Mubuuke AG, Buwembo W, Nakigudde J, Kiguli S. Stakeholder views on continuing professional development for doctors working in public primary care facilities in central Uganda: a qualitative study. Pan Afr Med J 2024; 47:97. [PMID: 38799194 PMCID: PMC11126753 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2024.47.97.417840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction the primary care workforce in the public sector of Uganda is under the district health system. The doctors in this workforce provide leadership and frontline promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care. Their numbers are still low and therefore need effective support through continuing professional development (CPD). Part of the support is influenced by stakeholders whose views on CPD in the district health system are important. This study therefore explored the stakeholders' views on the CPD of doctors working in the district health system in central Uganda. Methods a qualitative exploratory study was done, and data was collected using an interview guide through in-depth interviews among ten purposively selected CPD stakeholders influencing different aspects of CPD activities of doctors working in public general hospitals and health center IVs. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and manually analyzed using deductive thematic analysis. Results five themes were categorized into; CPD practices, facilitators, benefits, challenges, and suggestions. Each of the themes had subthemes; CPD practices; training, mentorship and apprenticeship, support supervision, and quality improvement projects. Facilitators; internet services, grants, health facility managers, facility-based CPD providers, and regional CPD guidelines. Benefits; motivation, knowledge, teamwork, and renewal of practicing licenses. Challenges; workload, allowances, access, documentation, mindset, quality, structure of public health system, and sustainability. Suggestions; training needs analysis, collaboration, monitoring, e-CPD platforms, CPD resource centers, and individual CPD responsibility. Conclusion the stakeholders' views are an indication that effective CPD is a collaborative effort from both the primary care doctors and those in the leadership of the health care system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Janet Nakigudde
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sarah Kiguli
- Department of Peadiatrics and Child Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Soklaridis S, Chowdhury M, Turco MG, Tremblay M, Mazmanian P, Williams B, Besa R, Sockalingam S. Pivoting Continuing Professional Development During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Scoping Review of Adaptations and Innovations. THE JOURNAL OF CONTINUING EDUCATION IN THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS 2024:00005141-990000000-00104. [PMID: 38205969 DOI: 10.1097/ceh.0000000000000539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Most formal continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities were offered in person until March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional structures of CPD offerings. The authors explored the adaptations and innovations in CPD that were strengthened or newly created during the first 16 months of the pandemic. METHODS The objectives of the narrative review were to answer the following questions: (1) what types of adaptations to CPD innovations are described? and (2) what may shape future innovations in CPD? The following databases were searched: Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and ERIC to identify the literature published between March 2020 to July 2021. The authors conducted a comprehensive search by including all study types that described adaptations and/or innovations in CPD during the stated pandemic period. RESULTS Of the 8295 citations retrieved from databases, 191 satisfied the inclusion criteria. The authors found three categories to describe adaptations to CPD innovations: (1) creation of new online resources, (2) increased use of the existing online platforms/software to deliver CPD, and (3) use of simulation for teaching and learning. Reported advantages and disadvantages associated with these adaptations included logistical, interactional, and capacity building elements. The review identified five potential future CPD innovations: (1) empirical research on the effectiveness of virtual learning; (2) novel roles and ways of thinking; (3) learning from other disciplines beyond medicine; (4) formation of a global perspective; and (5) emerging wellness initiatives. DISCUSSION This review provided an overview of the adaptations and innovations that may shape the future of CPD beyond the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Soklaridis
- Dr. Soklaridis: Senior Scientist, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and The Wilson Centre, University Health Network/University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Ms. Chowdhury: PhD (cand.), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Dr. Turco: Associate Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Centre/Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH. Dr. Tremblay: Senior Research and Innovation Advisor, Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec, Montréal, Québec, Canada. Dr. Mazmanian: Professor Emeritus, Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA. Dr. Williams: Clinical Program Director, Professional Renewal Centre, Lawrence, KS, and Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Kansas, Kansas City, KS. Ms. Besa: Information Specialist, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Dr. Sockalingam: Vice-President Education, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and The Wilson Centre, University Health Network/University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Cassidy D, Edwards G, Bruen C, Kelly H, Arnett R, Illing J. Are We Ever Going Back? Exploring the Views of Health Professionals on Postpandemic Continuing Professional Development Modalities. THE JOURNAL OF CONTINUING EDUCATION IN THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS 2023; 43:172-180. [PMID: 36877815 PMCID: PMC10461717 DOI: 10.1097/ceh.0000000000000482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly altered the ways in which health care professionals engage with continuing professional development (CPD), but the extent to which these changes are permanent remains unknown at present. This mixed-methods research aims to capture the perspectives of health professionals on their preferences for CPD formats, including the conditions that inform preferences for in-person and online CPD events and the optimum length and type of online and in-person events. METHODS A survey was used to gain a high-level perspective on health professionals' engagement with CPD, areas of interest, and capabilities and preferences in relation to online formats. A total of 340 health care professionals across 21 countries responded to the survey. Follow-up semistructured interviews were conducted with 16 respondents to gain deeper insights into their perspectives. RESULTS Key themes include CPD activity before and during COVID, social and networking aspects, access versus engagement, cost, and time and timing. DISCUSSION Recommendations regarding the design of both in-person and online events are included. Beyond merely moving in-person events online, innovative design approaches should be adopted to capitalize on the affordances of digital technologies and enhance engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dara Cassidy
- Dr. Cassidy: Head of Online Education, Health Professions Education Centre, RCSI, Dublin, Ireland. Mr. Edwards: Research Officer, Health Professions Education Centre, RCSI, Dublin, Ireland. Ms. Bruen: Technology enhanced Learning (TEL) Manager, Health Professions Education Centre, RCSI, Dublin, Ireland. Ms. Kelly: Lecturer in Communications, Health Professions Education Centre, RCSI, Dublin, Ireland. Prof. Arnett: Director of Psychometrics & Associate Professor, Health Professions Education Centre, RCSI, Dublin, Ireland. Prof. Illing: Director, Health Professions Education Centre, RCSI, Dublin, Ireland
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Boscolo‐Berto R, Porzionato A, Stecco C, Macchi V, De Caro R. Anatomical societies find new ways to come together in a post-Covid world. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2021; 14:739-751. [PMID: 34498406 PMCID: PMC9298804 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The world has been turned upside down by a global health emergency caused by the Covid-19. Given the high contagiousness of the virus and the need to contain its spread, social distancing rules, self-isolation policies, and geographical lockdowns have been enforced globally. Over the pandemic emergency the majority of the planned in-person meetings and congresses of national and international anatomical societies have been postponed or canceled. It is unclear what the future holds, but times of crisis often present possibilities for re-thinking old ways to achieve a more critical approach. It has become increasingly clear that traditional in-person congress formats of scientific societies need to be reevaluated. Over the past year and a half, two types of congressional modalities have been trialed to address the challenge of the pandemic as far as scientific meetings are concerned: the fully virtual congress, in which case the conference program is live streamed to all of the attendees, and the hybrid congress, in which case some of the attendees physically participate at the congress's venue while others interact via a virtual platform. The current study set out to investigate the technical difficulties, social challenges, costs and sustainability, logistics and management issues linked to holding various types of congresses in the post-Covid world. Anatomical societies throughout the world are actively striving to reshape their response to the current global emergency and to uncover new types of conference modalities in the effort to keep scientific exchange alive and flourishing in the post-Covid era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Boscolo‐Berto
- Department of NeurosciencesInstitute of Human AnatomyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
- Veneto Region Reference Center for the Preservation and Use of Gifted BodiesVeneto RegionPadovaItaly
- National Reference Center for the Preservation and Use of Gifted BodiesPadovaItaly
| | - Andrea Porzionato
- Department of NeurosciencesInstitute of Human AnatomyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
- Veneto Region Reference Center for the Preservation and Use of Gifted BodiesVeneto RegionPadovaItaly
- National Reference Center for the Preservation and Use of Gifted BodiesPadovaItaly
| | - Carla Stecco
- Department of NeurosciencesInstitute of Human AnatomyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
- Veneto Region Reference Center for the Preservation and Use of Gifted BodiesVeneto RegionPadovaItaly
- National Reference Center for the Preservation and Use of Gifted BodiesPadovaItaly
| | - Veronica Macchi
- Department of NeurosciencesInstitute of Human AnatomyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
- Veneto Region Reference Center for the Preservation and Use of Gifted BodiesVeneto RegionPadovaItaly
- National Reference Center for the Preservation and Use of Gifted BodiesPadovaItaly
| | - Raffaele De Caro
- Department of NeurosciencesInstitute of Human AnatomyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
- Veneto Region Reference Center for the Preservation and Use of Gifted BodiesVeneto RegionPadovaItaly
- National Reference Center for the Preservation and Use of Gifted BodiesPadovaItaly
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