Does the ‘Educational Alliance’ conceptualize the student - supervisor relationship when conducting a master thesis in medicine? An interview study

Background Completing a master thesis (MT) is mandatory in many undergraduate curricula in medicine but a specific educational framework to guide the supervisor-student relationship during the MT has not been published. This could be helpful to facilitate the MT process and to more effectively reach the learning objectives related to science education in medicine. An attractive model for this purpose is the ‘Educational Alliance’ (EA), which focusses on the three components ‘clarity and agreement on (a) goals, (b) tasks and (c) relationship & roles’. This study investigated factors that can either facilitate or hinder the process of MTs, and related these to the components of the EA. Methods We conducted semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 20 students and – separately – with their 20 corresponding supervisors, after the MT had been accepted. The interviews included open questions on factors facilitating or hindering the success of the MT. Audio recordings of the interviews were anonymized and transcribed, and then analysed by qualitative content analysis. Also, quantitative data were gathered on satisfaction with the MT process and the supervisory quality (using Likert-type questions). Results We were able to analyse all 40 interviews, related to 20 MTs. From the transcripts, we extracted 469 comments related to the research question and categorized these into the four main categories (a) ‘Preparation’, (b) ‘Process’, (c) ‘Atmosphere’, (d) ‘Value of the MT’. Interviewees highlighted the importance of a careful preparation phase, clear expectations, a clear research plan, thorough and timely feedback, mutual agreement on timelines, and a positive working atmosphere. Each of these factors could be brought in line with the three components of the EA framework: agreement and clarity of goals, tasks, relationships & roles. Satisfaction with the MT process was rated 8.75 ± 1.22 SD (of 10) points by supervisors, and 7.80 ± 1.61 SD points by students, while supervision quality was rated + 1.51 ± 0.63 SD (scale from − 2 to + 2) by supervisors, and + 1.26 ± 0.93 SD by students. Conclusion We propose the EA framework as a useful guidance for students, supervisors, and the university towards conducting successful MTs in medicine. Based on the findings, we provide specific recommendations for students, supervisors, and university

Evaluation of the free, open source software WordPress as electronic portfolio system in undergraduate medical education

Background Electronic portfolios (ePortfolios) are used to document and support learning activities. E-portfolios with mobile capabilities allow even more flexibility. However, the development or acquisition of ePortfolio software is often costly, and at the same time, commercially available systems may not sufficiently fit the institution’s needs. The aim of this study was to design and evaluate an ePortfolio system with mobile capabilities using a commercially free and open source software solution. Methods We created an online ePortfolio environment using the blogging software WordPress based on reported capability features of such software by a qualitative weight and sum method. Technical implementation and usability were evaluated by 25 medical students during their clinical training by quantitative and qualitative means using online questionnaires and focus groups. Results The WordPress ePortfolio environment allowed students a broad spectrum of activities – often documented via mobile devices – like collection of multimedia evidences, posting reflections, messaging, web publishing, ePortfolio searches, collaborative learning, knowledge management in a content management system including a wiki and RSS feeds, and the use of aid tools for studying. The students’ experience with WordPress revealed a few technical problems, and this report provides workarounds. The WordPress ePortfolio was rated positively by the students as a content management system (67 % of the students), for exchange with other students (74 %), as a note pad for reflections (53 %) and for its potential as an information source for assessment (48 %) and exchange with a mentor (68 %). On the negative side, 74 % of the students in this pilot study did not find it easy to get started with the system, and 63 % rated the ePortfolio as not being user-friendly. Qualitative analysis indicated a need for more introductory information and training. Conclusions It is possible to build an advanced ePortfolio system with mobile capabilities with the free and open source software WordPress. This allows institutions without proprietary software to build a sophisticated ePortfolio system adapted to their needs with relatively few resources. The implementation of WordPress should be accompanied by introductory courses in the use of the software and its apps in order to facilitate its usability

Lebenslanges Lernen in der Notfallmedizin – „Continuous professional development“

Dieser Beitrag stellt drei wesentliche Aspekte zum lebenslangen Lernen in der Medizin vor: (1) die Orientierung der Ausbildungsziele an beruflichen Kompetenzen (Kompetenzbasierung, unterstützt durch „entrustable professional activities“), (2) Befunde zur Entwicklung von beruflicher Expertise (Dreyfus-Modell und „dual process theory“) sowie (3) das CanMEDS(Canadian-Medical-Education-Directives-for-Specialists)-Rollenmodell zur Beschreibung der ärztlichen Handlungsfelder, das auch auf andere medizinische Berufe anwendbar ist. Alle drei Aspekte beeinflussen einander wechselseitig und müssen daher in einem gemeinsamen Kontext gesehen werden. = This contribution outlines three essential aspects of lifelong learning in the medical professions: (1) the orientation of learning objectives towards outcomes necessary for independent practice in the professional field (competency-based medical education [CBME], supported by the concept of entrustable professional activities [EPAs]), (2) findings on the development of professional expertise (building on the Dreyfus model of expertise and the dual process theory), and (3) the Canadian Medical Education Directives for Specialists (CanMEDS) roles framework for describing physicians’ professional competencies (which might be extended to other healthcare professions). All three aspects interact with each other and should not be regarded as being independent

Kompetenzbasierte Bildung – eine Einführung

«Kompetenzbasierte Bildung – eine Einführung» lautet der Titel des ersten Artikels der neuen Themenserie des SIWF in der Schweizerischen Ärztezeitung. Die medizinische Bildung hat sich in den letzten Jahren zu einem eigenständigen Fachgebiet mit spezialisiertem Wissen und einer eigenen Sprache entwickelt. Der vorliegende Beitrag möchte die wichtigsten Begriffe erklären und hoffentlich Ihr Interesse für das Projekt der Kompetenzbasierten ärztlichen Weiterbildung wecken

«Teaching» in der Medizin: leicht zu lernen!

CBMEJede Ärztin und jeder Arzt geben Wissen weiter, so selbstverständlich wie fast jeder schwimmen kann. Nicht alle wollen dabei Medaillen gewinnen – ebenso wie beim Lehren in der Medizin. Basiskompetenzen sind jedoch einfach zu erwerben und müssen nicht dem Zufall überlassen werden. Dieser Beitrag skizziert Grundprinzipien des Lehrens und zeigt Wege zur individuellen Weiterentwicklung auf

2021 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations: Summary From the Basic Life Support; Advanced Life Support; Neonatal Life Support; Education, Implementation, and Teams; First Aid Task Forces; and the COVID-19 Working Group

The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation initiated a continuous review of new, peer-reviewed published cardiopulmonary resuscitation science. This is the fifth annual summary of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations; a more comprehensive review was done in 2020. This latest summary addresses the most recently published resuscitation evidence reviewed by International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation task force science experts. Topics covered by systematic reviews in this summary include resuscitation topics of video-based dispatch systems; head-up cardiopulmonary resuscitation; early coronary angiography after return of spontaneous circulation; cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the prone patient; cord management at birth for preterm and term infants; devices for administering positive-pressure ventilation at birth; family presence during neonatal resuscitation; self-directed, digitally based basic life support education and training in adults and children; coronavirus disease 2019 infection risk to rescuers from patients in cardiac arrest; and first aid topics, including cooling with water for thermal burns, oral rehydration for exertional dehydration, pediatric tourniquet use, and methods of tick removal. Members from 6 International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation task forces have assessed, discussed, and debated the quality of the evidence, according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria, and their statements include consensus treatment recommendations or good practice statements. Insights into the deliberations of the task forces are provided in Justification and Evidence-to-Decision Framework Highlights sections. In addition, the task forces listed priority knowledge gaps for further research

Stepwise approach to skills teaching in resuscitation: A systematic review

AIM To compare the effectiveness of Peyton's four-step approach for teaching resuscitation skills with alternative approaches. METHODS For this systematic review, we followed the PICOST format (population, intervention, comparison, outcome, study design, timeframe) using Peyton's four-step approach as the standard. We included all studies analyzing skills training related to resuscitation and First Aid in any educational setting. Eligible were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies (non-randomized controlled trials, interrupted time series, controlled before-and-after studies, cohort studies, published conference abstracts, and case series where n ≥ 5). We excluded unpublished results (e.g. trial protocols), commentaries, editorials, reviews. Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, ERIC, CINAHL, and Cochrane were searched from inception until November 10, 2020 (updated November 25, 2022) for publications in all languages as long as there was an English abstract. Titles and abstracts of the papers retrieved were screened, and eligible publications were analysed in full text. From the final set of papers, data were extracted into a spreadsheet, subsequently risk of bias assessment was performed (using RoB2 and ROBINS-I), and the certainty of evidence (using GRADE) for each paper was assessed. Screening of studies, data extraction, risk-of-bias assessment, and assessment of certainty of evidence were all performed by two independent researchers. This review was conducted in adherence with PRISMA standards and was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023377398). RESULTS Overall, the search identified 2,574 studies from which 17 were included in the final analysis (14 RCTs, and 3 non-RCTs). The studies involved a total of 2,906 participants from various populations (from lay persons to health care professionals) and analysed nine different resuscitation skills being taught (ranging from chest compressions to needle cricotomy). The alternative teaching approaches ranged from two-steps to five-steps with various modifications of single steps. High methodological and clinical heterogeneity precluded a meta-analysis from being conducted. The risk of bias assessment showed considerable variation between the studies ranging from 'low' to 'serious'. Across all studies, certainty of evidence was rated as very low due to imprecision and inconsistency. Overall, 14 out of 17 studies showed no difference in skill acquisition or retention when comparing Peyton's four steps to other stepwise approaches. CONCLUSIONS Very low certainty evidence suggest that Peyton's four-step approach was not more effective in resuscitation skills training compared to alternative approaches. FUNDING None

Faculty development initiatives in Medical Education in German-Speaking Countries : III. Aspects of successful implementation

Eine erfolgreiche Implementierung medizindidaktischer Qualifizierungsmaßnahmen setzt zwingend voraus, dass die Fakultäten nicht nur für entsprechende Angebote, sondern mittelfristig auch für lehrförderliche Rahmenbedingungen sorgen. Dabei müssen sowohl institutionelle Aspekte, die sich aus der Struktur und Funktion der Fakultät als Organisation ergeben als auch individuelle Aspekte der Zielgruppe der Lehrenden berücksichtigt werden. Von institutioneller Seitemuss vor allem Dermatologie und Deutschland die für alle sichtbare Unterstützung des Programms sichergestellt werden. Ebenfalls von zentraler Bedeutung ist die Bereitschaft, die medizindidaktische Qualifikation als einen wesentlichen Baustein der akademischen Laufbahn zu bewerten. Im Hinblick auf die Lehrenden geht es vor allem darum, das Angebot bekannt zu machen und seinen Nutzen herauszustellen, was mit Hilfe karrierebezogener Anreize naturgemäß leichter ist.To implement faculty development programs successfully it is absolutely essential that medical schools do not only provide adequate courses but do also offer surrounding conditions conducive to teaching. Institutional aspects that arise from structure and function of the medical school as an organisation as well as individual aspects that refer to the target group of medical teachers have to be taken into account. Looking at the institutional aspects it is especially important that official support of the program is assured and visible for everybody. Another institutional requirement is that expertise in teaching is regarded as an integral component of academic careers in medical education. Regarding medical teachers it is important to make faculty development programs known to them and to emphasise their benefit which is of course a lot easier by means of career incentives

Family presence during resuscitation in paediatric and neonatal cardiac arrest: A systematic review

Context: Parent/family presence at pediatric resuscitations has been slow to become consistent practice in hospital settings and has not been universally implemented. A systematic review of the literature on family presence during pediatric and neonatal resuscitation has not been previously conducted. Objective: To conduct a systematic review of the published evidence related to family presence during pediatric and neonatal resuscitation. Data sources: Six major bibliographic databases was undertaken with defined search terms and including literature up to June 14, 2020. Study selection: 3200 titles were retrieved in the initial search; 36 ultimately included for review. Data extraction: Data was double extracted independently by two reviewers and confirmed with the review team. All eligible studies were either survey or interview-based and as such we turned to narrative systematic review methodology. Results: The authors identified two key sets of findings: first, parents/family members want to be offered the option to be present for their child\u27s resuscitation. Secondly, health care provider attitudes varied widely (ranging from 15% to \u3e85%), however, support for family presence increased with previous experience and level of seniority. Limitations: English language only; lack of randomized control trials; quality of the publications. Conclusions: Parents wish to be offered the opportunity to be present but opinions and perspectives on the family presence vary greatly among health care providers. This topic urgently needs high quality, comparative research to measure the actual impact of family presence on patient, family and staff outcomes. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020140363