A framework for distributed health professions training : using participatory action research to build consensus
Date
2020-05-14
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC (part of Springer Nature)
Abstract
Background: There is a global trend towards providing training for health professions students outside of tertiary
academic complexes. In many countries, this shift places pressure on available sites and the resources at their
disposal, specifically within the public health sector. Introducing an educational remit into a complex health system
is challenging, requiring commitment from a range of stakeholders, including national authorities. To facilitate the
effective implementation of distributed training, we developed a guiding framework through an extensive, national
consultative process with a view to informing both practice and policy.
Methods: We adopted a participatory action research approach over a four year period across three phases, which
included seven local, provincial and national consultative workshops, reflective work sessions by the research team,
and expert reviews. Approximately 240 people participated in these activities. Engagement with the national
department of health and health professions council further informed the development of the Framework.
Results: Each successive ‘feedback loop’ contributed to the development of the Framework which comprised a set
of guiding principles, as well as the components essential to the effective implementation of distributed training.
Analysis further pointed to the centrality of relationships, while emphasising the importance of involving all sectors
relevant to the training of health professionals. A tool to facilitate the implementation of the Framework was also
developed, incorporating a set of ‘Simple Rules for Effective distributed health professions training’. A national
consensus statement was adopted.
Conclusions: In this project, we drew on the thinking and practices of key stakeholders to enable a synthesis
between their embodied and inscribed knowledge, and the prevailing literature, this with a view to further
enaction as the knowledge generators become knowledge users. The Framework and its subsequent
implementation has not only assisted us to apply the evidence to our educational practice, but also to begin to
influence policy at a national level.
Description
CITATION: Van Schalkwyk, S. C., et al. 2020. A framework for distributed health professions training : using participatory action research to build consensus. BMC Medical Education, 20:154, doi:10.1186/s12909-020-02046-z.
The original publication is available at https://bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com
The original publication is available at https://bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com
Keywords
Health professions training, Medicine -- Study and teaching -- Curricula, Medicine -- Study and teaching -- Government policy
Citation
Van Schalkwyk, S. C., et al. 2020. A framework for distributed health professions training : using participatory action research to build consensus. BMC Medical Education, 20:154, doi:10.1186/s12909-020-02046-z