The Value of Master's Degree Programmes in Health Professions Education: A Scoping Review.

INTRODUCTION: There are increasing numbers of Master's Degree Programmes in Health Professions Education (MHPE), and the value to their students and graduates is not well understood. We conducted a scoping review to explore what is known about the value of MHPE programmes to their students and graduates. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted using Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage framework. PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, BEI, ERIC and EThOs databases were searched in addition to cited reference searching. Original research with an evaluation and published in the English language were included. RESULTS: Nineteen studies were included. Studies were based in a variety of locations on five continents, and included in-person, distance and blended learning. Students and graduates of MHPE programmes self-reported development of their pedagogical knowledge, confidence and credibility in their role as an educator, and educational scholarship. Enhanced career opportunities and opportunities for collegial interactions and networks were also reported. Important barriers included struggling with the time and financial commitments required for studying on a MHPE programme. CONCLUSIONS: There are a variety of dimensions of value of MHPE programmes to their students and graduates. Important practical recommendations for MHPE programme providers and employers include providing opportunities for the development of networks and supporting the time and financial commitments required for studying.

Online health information-seeking behavior by endocrinology patients.

PURPOSE: Given that the Internet is important for health-related information (HRI) and the fact that online health information (OHI)-seeking behavior has never been studied in endocrinology, we set out to examine how and why the Internet is utilized for HRI, the frequency of such activity, its impact, future information needs, and the effect of language. METHODS: A mainly quantitative, embedded mixed-methods study was performed, employing a questionnaire survey. We included 312 patients (78.4% response rate). RESULTS: OHI-seeking was reported by 175 patients (56.1%), especially in younger (p = 0.037) and more educated (p = 0.006) patients. OHI-seekers perceived OHI to be high-quality (135, 77.1%) but 104 (59.4%) were unaware of website certification tools. Among OHI-seekers, 63 (36.6%) reported positive behavioral changes after seeking OHI. Only 45 (25.7%) OHI-seekers discussed their gathered information with their endocrinologist. If an interactive e-learning module was available, 194/312 (62.2%) patients expressed willingness to use it, especially those reporting a need for more HRI (p = 0.024). Native speakers were more likely to report that OHI did not meet their information needs (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: OHI-seeking by patients attending the endocrinology outpatients is widely practiced. The availability of OHI in the native language and e-learning modules may enhance the utility of the Internet for health information.

Evaluation of the use of a handheld prescribing card in supporting Foundation year one doctors in End of Life (EOL) prescribing.

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Background Literature reports disquiet in junior doctors' abilities in palliative care prescribing; including distress and low confidence ( Charlton and Smith, 2000). We confirmed similar findings following local research thus identifying a development need. This led to the design and implementation of a hand-held prescribing card. Objective Usefulness of the prescribing card in supporting foundation year one doctors was evaluated. We hypothesised this intervention would help improve End of Life (EOL) care. Methods A mixed methods approach was employed using a specially designed questionnaire, distributed to 39 foundation year one doctors (doctors in their first year of practice after graduating from medical school). Focused questions were on utilisation, levels of prescribing confidence and exploring further interventions that might help, as well as feedback on card design. Results 25 doctors completed questionnaires; a response rate 86%. Almost half routinely used the card. 40% were not yet prescribing for EOL situations at the time of the study because of their specific job rotation (e.g. ophthalmology). The commonest motivator was accessibility. All doctors reported increased confidence in prescribing and approximately three quarters said it enhanced practice. "Usefulness" was the commonest free-response descriptor. Feelings included it being a good reference and preventing errors. A development idea included an electronic version. Conclusion Results highlight that a simple hand-held prescribing card is useful. To our knowledge, this is the first UK study of its kind employing an educational intervention in palliative care in a hospital setting. It is important to implement this educational intervention early to support doctors.

Potential and limitations of e-learning in emergency medicine.

This paper describes the potential benefits, pitfalls and barriers to adopting e-learning in emergency medicine. While the benefits relating to access, engagement and quality assurance are clear, caution is urged in embracing e-learning for e-learning's sake. It is argued that, if educational strategies are to change, this must be to the benefit of learners and not just for the convenience of access or record keeping. A variety of e-learning approaches are available, but those that promote group discussion or provide feedback from an educator are more likely to lead to successful learning than stand-alone feedback-free modules. A blended approach to learning is advocated where e-learning opportunities form an important but limited part of the overall educational experience. Shop floor and workshop-based teaching should be enhanced with e-learning, not replaced by it.