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Volume 23 (2)

Volume 23, Issue 2, Spring 2003 line
J Contin Educ Health Prof 2003; 23(2):116-123
ORIGINAL ARTICLES

Videoconferenced grand rounds: needs assessment for community specialists
Sargeant J
Allen M
O'Brien B
MacDougall E.

A b s t r a c t

INTRODUCTION: Grand rounds are a traditional means of continuing education for specialist physicians. The purpose of this study was to determine the need for and feasibility of interactive videoconferenced grand rounds between an academic health center and community specialists practicing in the three provinces served by the health center.
METHODS: Using questionnaires, we studied two populations: the academic center's clinical department and division heads and community specialists in three provinces.
RESULTS: We received 27 of 34 (79%) questionnaires from department heads. Nine reported that they already videoconferenced their rounds, 12 expressed a willingness to do so, and 4 responded that they may be interested. Fourteen departments responded that they were willing to include community specialists in planning and presenting. Using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree), respondents rated the statement "Regional specialists would benefit from videoconferenced grand rounds" as 4.2. The return rate from community specialists was 333 of 876 (38%), of which 274 indicated that they would attend videoconferenced rounds, 42 said "maybe," and 9 said "no." Using the same 5-point scale, respondents rated both the following statements as 3.8: "Videoconferenced grand rounds would benefit me" and "These rounds would help me keep in touch with my colleagues." One hundred and two (31%) indicated that they would help plan rounds from the academic center.
DISCUSSION: This study demonstrated the willingness on the part of one academic center to videoconference grand rounds to community specialists and interest from community specialists in participating. It raises logistical and educational issues, including scheduling and how to effectively include community physicians in needs assessment and planning. As requirements for specialists to participate in accredited learning activities become more rigorous, videoconferencing grand rounds may be one way to increase access to important learning activities.

Lessons for Practice
  • Through videoconferencing grand rounds from academic centers to community hospitals, community specialists can take part.
  • Conducting needs assessments of both community specialists and academic clinical departments is a key first planning step.
  • Videoconferencing grand rounds requires adequate logistical and technical support.
  • Videoconferencing also provides an opportunity to engage community specialists in planning and evaluating grand rounds.
MeSH Terms: Academic Medical Centers; Community Medicine; Community Networks; Education, Medical, Continuing; Needs Assessment; Questionnaires; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Telecommunications; Video Recording
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