Accepted Type
Oral
Code
OB1-1-3
Acceptance Declaration
Accept
Additional Information
I declare I have no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this program.
Was this work accepted for CCME 2020?
no
Category
General Call (Workshop, Oral Presentation, Poster Presentation)
Type
Oral
Sub Type
Education Research
Will the presenter be a:
Fellow
Affiliation
Considered for Poster
yes
Title
Development and Evaluation of the Online Bridging Program for New International Palliative Medicine Fellows
Length of Presentation
Background/Purpose
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who train in countries with well-developed palliative care delivery systems are key to advancing palliative care globally. However, these IMGs may encounter unique challenges that compromise their learning experiences. Here we describe the development of the Online Bridging Program in the Division of Palliative Care at the University Health Network Toronto, and discuss its effectiveness in improving IMGs' readiness for Canadian fellowship training.
Methods
The annual Online Bridging Program consists of eight online modules with weekly live sessions. Summative program evaluation was conducted first through an online survey immediately after completing the Program, and then 6 months into the fellowship, through qualitative one-on-one semi-structured interviews. The interviews were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's model for thematic analysis.
Results
Nine IMGs have participated in the Online Bridging Program from 2018 to 2020. Nine (100%) participated in the survey, and eight (89%) in the interviews. Responses to the online survey were almost unanimously positive, suggesting its effectiveness in assisting the IMGs' transitions into fellowship. Themes that were revealed in the interviews included: the importance of combining online modules and live sessions; easing the fellows' anxiety and facilitating the transition into their new role; improved overall learning and satisfaction because of the Program; and recognizing online format limitations.
Conclusion
The Online Bridging Program effectively eased IMG Palliative Medicine fellows' transition into training and enhanced their learning experience. The Online Bridging Program can be adapted for use by other fellowship specialties.
Keyword 1
international medical graduate
Keyword 2
online bridging program
Keyword 3
orientation
Level of Training
Post Graduate
Abstract Themes
Curriculum
Curriculum
General
Additional Theme (First choice)
Postgraduate
Additional Theme (Second Choice)
Professionalism
Additional Theme (Third Choice)
Physician & Medical Student Health and Well-being
Authors
Presenter
Madelaine Amante
Term 1
Yes
Term 2
Yes
Term 3
Yes
Term 4
Yes
Term 5
Yes
