Classroom-Based Learning in an Academic Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Training Program.

Objectives: Classroom-based learning such as academic half days (AHDs) are complementary to workplace learning in postgraduate medical education. This study examined three research questions: the purpose of AHDs, elements of an effective AHD, and factors that make AHD sustainable. Methods: We conducted a case study of the AHD in a large Obstetrics and Gynecology residency program at the University of British Columbia. Residents were interviewed in 2013 (n = 11) and 2018 (n = 7) and the program administrator was interviewed in 2018. The themes in each research question were identified by modified inductive analysis. Results: Residents expressed that the purposes of AHD included: providing organization and an overview for their knowledge acquisition; preparation for their Royal College specialty exam; and to provide a venue for peer support and mentorship. Elements of an effective AHD include the repetition of key concepts; formative assessments such as quizzes, a suitable balance of faculty input and resident active participation, and protection from clinical duty during AHD. Regarding the sustainability of AHD, themes included: addressing barriers to faculty participation, providing administrative support for logistical needs, and providing feedback to faculty. Conclusions: This work provides important insights into the purpose, effectiveness, and sustainability of AHDs for those who design and implement classroom learning for residents.

Academic half days, noon conferences and classroom-based education in postgraduate medical education: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Classroom-based education (CBE) is ubiquitous in postgraduate medical education (PGME), but to date no studies have synthesized the literature on the topic. We conducted a scoping review focusing on academic half days and noon conferences. METHODS: We searched 4 databases (MEDLINE [OVID], Embase [OVID], ERIC [EBSCO] and Web of Science) from inception to December 2021, performed reference and citation harvesting, and applied predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria to our screening. We used 2 frameworks for the analysis: "experiences, trajectories and reifications" and "description, justification and clarification." RESULTS: We included 90 studies, of which 55 focused on resident experiences, 29 on trajectories and 6 on reification. We classified 44 studies as "description," 38 as "justification" and 8 as "clarification." In the description studies, 12 compared academic half days with noon conferences, 23 described specific teaching topics, and 9 focused on resources needed for CBE. Justification studies examined the effects of CBE on outcomes, such as examination scores (17) and use of teaching strategies in team-based learning, principles of adult learning and e-learning (15). Of the 8 clarification studies, topics included the role of CBE in PGME, stakeholder perspectives and transfer of knowledge between classroom and workplace. INTERPRETATION: Much of the existing literature is either a description of various aspects of CBE or justification of particular teaching strategies. Few studies exist on how and why CBE works; future studies should aim to clarify how CBE facilitates resident learning within the sociocultural framework of PGME.

Perspectives of expectant women and health care providers on birth plans.

OBJECTIVE: A birth plan is a document detailing a woman's preferences and expectations related to labour and delivery. Empirical research exploring the value of birth plans has shown conflicting findings about whether birth plans have a positive or negative effect on labour and delivery, suggesting a need for further study. This study aimed to understand the perspectives of women, health care providers, and support persons regarding the use of birth plans. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire was distributed to a convenience sample of expectant or postpartum women, health care providers, and support persons from January 2012 to March 2012 in British Columbia. RESULTS: In total, 122 women and 110 health care providers and support persons completed the questionnaire. Both women and their attendants viewed the birth plan as being valuable for acting as both a communication and education tool. However, the respondents noted that women may be disappointed or dissatisfied if a birth plan cannot be implemented. The most important elements of a birth plan identified included pain management, comfort measures (e.g., mobility during labour), postpartum preferences (e.g., breastfeeding), atmosphere (e.g., privacy), and birthing beliefs (e.g., cultural views). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to identify advantages and disadvantages of using a birth plan as well as the most important aspects of a birth plan from the perspectives of both women and their attendants in Canada. The findings could be applied to optimize the efficacy of birth plans in Canada and potentially internationally as well.

Objective : Un plan d'accouchement est un document détaillant les préférences et les attentes d'une femme à l'égard du travail et de l'accouchement. Les recherches empiriques explorant la valeur des plans d'accouchement ont obtenu des résultats contradictoires quant à la question de savoir si ces derniers exercent un effet positif ou négatif sur le travail et l'accouchement, ce qui semble souligner la nécessité de procéder à d'autres études sur le sujet. Cette étude avait pour but de comprendre les points de vue des femmes, des fournisseurs de soins et des accompagnateurs à l'égard de l'utilisation de plans d'accouchement. Méthodes : Un questionnaire transversal a été distribué à un échantillon de commodité de femmes enceintes ou ayant accouché, de fournisseurs de soins et d'accompagnateurs entre janvier 2012 et mars 2012 en Colombie-Britannique. Résultats : En tout, 122 femmes et 110 fournisseurs de soins de santé et accompagnateurs ont rempli le questionnaire. Tant les femmes que leurs fournisseurs de soins et de soutien estimaient que le plan d'accouchement était utile à titre d'outil de communication et d'éducation. Toutefois, les répondants ont souligné que les femmes pourraient être déçues ou mécontentes dans les cas où la mise en œuvre du plan d'accouchement s'avère impossible. Parmi les plus importants éléments du plan d'accouchement qui ont été identifiés, on trouvait la maîtrise de la douleur, les mesures visant le confort (p. ex. mobilité pendant le travail), les préférences postpartum (p. ex. allaitement), l'atmosphère (p. ex. intimité) et les croyances quant à l'accouchement (p. ex. aspects culturels). Conclusion : Il s'agit de la première étude à identifier les avantages et les désavantages de l'utilisation d'un plan d'accouchement, ainsi que les aspects les plus importants d'un tel plan, et ce, tant du point de vue des femmes que de celui de leurs fournisseurs de soins et de soutien au Canada. Les résultats pourraient être utilisés aux fins de l'optimisation de l'efficacité des plans d'accouchement au Canada et (potentiellement) à l'étranger.