PubMed · 15493615
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C A Whipp. 2004-09-18. Postgraduate study groups.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15493615/
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INTRODUCTION: Medical thoracoscopy is a safe, reliable and therapeutic procedure used in the management of pleural disease. For reasons that are unclear it is under utilised in the United Kingdom (UK) when compared to the rest of Europe. We have studied its development and use over the past 5 years. METHOD: We have performed national postal surveys in 1999 and 2004 to assess the provision of medical thoracoscopy, its indications for use, local practices as well as, training and audit issues. RESULTS: 11 centres in 1999 and 17 centres in 2004 perform medical thoracoscopy, there were more district general hospitals providing this service than teaching hospitals. Twenty-seven centres in 1999 and 54 centres in 2004 stated plans to begin providing a service. Centres were performing between 10 and 30 thoracoscopies per year. There were differences between centres in local practices and training received. The majority of currently performing centres offered training and were interested in national audit. DISCUSSION: This study has shown there are still only a small proportion of UK respiratory centres performing medical thoracoscopy. There is a growing interest in the procedure, however, issues regarding standardisation of care across the UK, on going competency and training have been highlighted. A British Thoracic Society (BTS) working group has been set up to address these.
PURPOSE: To determine whether a short-term, problem-based educational intervention leads to increased research activity among health care practitioners. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Participant's success was evaluated as a composite of 2 outcomes. These were (1) reporting results for the project designed during the practicum and (2) conducting subsequent research activities. The study population included 36 clinical research outcomes projects developed by clinical practitioners, postgraduate trainees, and medical students during 6 separate practicums. All project teams received the same educational intervention, an "outcomes research practicum" that was divided into 4 primary learning modules administered over a 1 to 4 month period. Each module included a preparatory videotape lecture, supplemental readings, and a 90-minute interactive laboratory session during which faculty members worked with participants to develop answers to a series of predefined questions relating to the design of clinical outcomes research projects. Follow-up continued for a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of 36 months. RESULTS: Eighty-three percent of project teams completed all 4 practicum modules, and 69% completed one of the study outcomes (50% completed their research project and 47% completing a subsequent research activity). Practitioners were more likely to complete subsequent research activities, whereas trainees were more likely to complete their study project. DISCUSSION: This short-term, problem-based educational intervention was successful in increasing the collective research activities of participants. Further, more rigorous structured research is needed to determine the ultimate impact on practice change and patient outcomes.
The current evolution of medicine requires a sustained effort in continuing medical education to maintain an evidence-based practice. To support this process, several educational strategies are available, including guideline diffusion. Their critical analysis reveals that the dissemination of passive information by conferences or by unsolicited materials is generally ineffective to modify the behaviours in practice or patient outcomes. More effective interventions are practice- and community-based rather than didactic, include an evaluation of learning needs, and enhance active participation in multiple activities. Before investing time and money into an educational activity, one should consider the evidence of its efficacy and make an oriented choice, according to the goals aimed and the available resources.