Meeting the needs of patients with disabilities: how can we better prepare the new dental graduate?

Background Over the last two decades, the introduction of equality legislation has resulted in disabled people having improved opportunities and better access to services. Within the field of oral health care, the specialty of special care dentistry exists to act as an advocate for those with disabilities and it is recognised that there is a need to reduce health inequalities. To ensure the future dental workforce is able to respond to the needs of those with disabilities, education is key. This raises the question: 'are we adequately preparing future dental professionals to fulfil their obligations?'.Aim To explore final year dental students' insight into issues of disability in order to inform the undergraduate special care dentistry programme.Method Qualitative methods using focus groups were employed to address the research issue. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.Results Four main themes were identified: 'perceptions of disability', 'experience of disability', 'patient management' and 'teaching and learning'. The level of preparedness varied among students and could be attributed to: knowledge of disability issues; previous experience of people with disabilities; how education in the field of special care dentistry was delivered. Students identified the need for more structure to their teaching and increased exposure to the disabled community.Conclusion The issues identified reflect current literature and highlight the importance of addressing disability within the wider undergraduate curriculum. Responding to the 'student voice' has the potential to tailor elements of the special care dentistry programme, in order to address their educational needs.

The Next Generation: How medical students use new Social Media to support their learning.

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Background The rise of social media [SoMe] has changed medical education practice, possibly facilitating learning through conversational interaction, social feedback and relationships. Usage of newer SoMe tools like Instagram and Snapchat has not been scrutinised.This study aimed to understand how medical students may use newer SoMe tools, specifically Twitter, Instagram & Snapchat, in their learning, in the context of a parallel SoMe course. Methods An optional, parallel SoMe course was established at Newcastle University Medical School. 301 fourth-year medical students were invited to engage using Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram. Evaluation adopted a mixed methods approach, gathering SoMe analytics and survey data as well as qualitative, free-text responses from a questionnaire and focus-group discussion. Results Live-tweeting lectures featured 95 facilitator tweets, with five replies by students. 22 Instagram posts received no student responses, and three Snapchat stories were viewed 15,312 times, with 212 screenshots taken. Of questionnaire respondents, 75% [n=66] stated they engaged with content. Framework analysis of free-text responses and focus group discussion identified peer influence, fear of exposure, cognitive load and curiosity as drivers in new SoMe use. Discussion Medical students may engage with new SoMe for learning. This may manifest as yet another unilateral learning resource, rather than a tool for discussion or debate. Educators should be aware of external influences, such as peer influence, before assuming student interaction. Further research into medical student use of newer SoMe platforms is warranted, given their popularity, rapidly evolving nature and short lifespan.

Correction to: Cadaveric surgery in core gynaecology training: a feasibility study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s10397-017-1034-0.].

The 'Dark Side' of Technology in Medical Education.

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Innovation in medical education has almost become synonymous with technology and its use in the field is growing exponentially. The benefits of technology-enhanced learning (TEL) are manifold; however, in this article some of the more contentious, potentially hazardous and oft unexplored aspects of TEL are highlighted - we have termed these the 'dark side' of technology in medical education. To further advance the application of technology in medical education, we contend that academics and educators need to turn their attention to the 'dark side' to complement the traditional focus on breakthroughs and innovation. Shedding light on the 'dark side' of TEL will help educators to develop a more nuanced understanding of the risks and benefits of the technology, that will then facilitate more judicious use of TEL in their teaching. Thus, within this article we outline some key areas for consideration, highlight barriers to exploring these and consider how we might shine a light on the 'dark side' of technology in medical education.

Twelve tips for academic role and institutional change in distance learning.

BACKGROUND: With the uptake of distance learning (DL), which has been marginal for most clinical academics, teaching contexts, traditional power structures and relationships have changed, leaving lecturers potentially disenfranchised. DL has caused a distinct change in academic roles, but academic and institutional routines have remained unchanged. Information surrounding the changes is confusing and lacks clear guidance. AIM: To provide a pragmatic outline of roles, responsibilities, obstacles and solutions for clinical academics involved in DL. METHOD: A two-year action research project was carried out examining the academic role when developing and delivering a 20 credit post graduate DL module in Clinical Education at Newcastle University. It entailed three strands which were "active" for two weeks at a time in which all activities had to be completed. Sixteen students participated in the module consisting of independent activities, facilitated discussion forums, wikis, required reading, individual and group tasks. Pedagogically, it was based on heavily on Garrison's (2012) and Salmon's (2008) work on constructivism and online communities. RESULTS: Institutions need a clear plan and a change of culture. Roles have emerged including: administrator, manager, team leader knowledge expert, moderator and facilitator. CONCLUSIONS: Universities struggle to engage staff with DL due to its unrecognised and (many academics believe) unsustainable workload. These 12 tips provide academics and managers involved in clinical education with clear guidance surrounding strategies that inform practice. New roles have emerged, work habits must be revolutionised and changes in routine must be addressed.

A critical examination of the time and workload involved in the design and delivery of an e-module in postgraduate clinical education.

BACKGROUND: Although there is increasing pressure on Universities to implement e-learning, this 'glorious revolution' has been met with disappointing results and universities have struggled to engage academic staff, who are major stakeholders, with its use. Although literature suggests online teaching adds to traditional faculty workload, information surrounding the actual 'cost' to individuals is sparse. For academics involved in postgraduate clinical education, it is even more incomplete. Involvement can be a risky undertaking for academics unfamiliar with the resources required. AIMS: This study outlines staff resources required to create an e-module for busy, practicing clinicians. METHOD: Data (web analytics, email traffic, and work logs) was collected and statistical analysis performed outlining time involved, work patterns and responsibilities. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed 75% of academic time occurred out of normal office hours. Sixteen total staff hours (12 planning and four delivery) were required to support one hour student online activity. Technical responsibilities were essential throughout, but unpredictable. CONCLUSIONS: Universities struggle to engage staff with e-learning due to its unrecognized and (many academics believe) unsustainable workload. Avoiding 'traditional' workload assumptions that are inaccurate, this study provides academics and managers involved in clinical education clear guidance and an increased understanding of workload with a goal to inform practice.