Accepted Type
Oral
Code
OD1-3-4
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 Innovation
Will the presenter be a:
Other
Presenter Other
Assistant Dean, Student Affairs
Affiliation
Considered for Poster
yes
Title
Strategies to support the well-being of learners in the health professions during the COVID-19 pandemic
Length of Presentation
Background/Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic presents significant challenges to universities and their learners and faculty. Many universities have suspended in-person activities and adopted remote teaching and services. Pandemic-related fear and uncertainty, as well as disruptions to learners' personal, academic, and clinical routines, can impact well-being. Universities are encouraged to prioritize and proactively foster learner' well-being through diverse means.
Summary of the Innovation
The WELL Office in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at McGill University has been responding to the needs of learners in the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Ingram School of Nursing, and School of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Since March 16, the WELL Office has been functioning remotely, ensuring learners remain connected to counselling services, and academic/clinical guidance and support. In April, a needs-assessment survey on the well-being of learners was conducted. Learners identified struggling with: fear, uncertainty, remote learning, completing academic and clinical requirements, isolation, relationships, and changes to future plans. In response, these interventions were implemented: (a) a webinar on strategies to cope with common stressors; (b) adapting the academic wellness curriculum to reflect the current reality; (c) the Assistant Dean, Student Affairs met with faculty, learners, and campus services to share learner concerns and foster improvements; (d) regular communications with learners trough website, newsletters, resource sharing; and (e) working with student representatives to assess and respond to concerns of different learner cohorts. A follow-up survey will be disseminated in mid-October.
Conclusion
The strategies implemented by the WELL Office have garnered positive feedback from learners and faculty. Reflections on strategies used, lessons learned, challenges and recommendations will be shared.
Keyword 1
pandemic
Keyword 2
interprofessional education
Keyword 3
well-being
Level of Training
General
Abstract Themes
Student Affairs
Additional Theme (First choice)
Physician & Medical Student Health and Well-being
Additional Theme (Second Choice)
Inter-professional Education
Additional Theme (Third Choice)
Leadership
Authors
Presenter
Camila Velez
Term 1
Yes
Term 2
Yes
Term 3
Yes
Term 4
Yes
Term 5
Yes
