P-11 Innovations in Continuing Medical Education during the COVID-19 pandemic
Author(s):
KR Quimby
Type Of Study:
- Experimental or Intervention Study
Year of Presentation:
2022
Objective: To use the Enhances Learning, Innovation, Adaptation, and Sustainability (ELIAS) framework to map the adaptation of the continuing medical education (CME) programme at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) from a face-to-face to online format during COVID-19.
Design and Methods: The ELIAS framework comprises 5 phases: measurement – identification of discrepancy between required and projected outcome; disconfirmation – identifying changes needed to rectify the discrepancy; contextualization – formulating a plan that is congruent with the organizational structure; implementation – executing the plan; and routinization – embedding the innovation into the organization’s processes.
Results: With COVID-19 directives prohibiting face-toface meetings, we would be unable to supply the required annual CME credits to physicians. To rectify this, contextual changes were made, including shifting to an online format with shorter, more frequent sessions. We leveraged the technological and administrative armamentarium available at The UWI by piggybacking on the pre-existing Zoom Webinar and TouchNet payment systems. The CME coordinator acted as change champion, gaining accreditation for the novel format from Medical Council, exploring and enabling online engagement of medical practitioners and facilitating activities that increased self-efficacy in users of the innovation. Evaluation 1-year post innovation reported an adequate supply of CME credits. Subsequent adoption and routinization of the online format were enhanced by the relative advantage over the face-to-face option and compatibility with the public health directives.
Conclusion: The online innovation was successful. Use of a framework to map the process adds scientific rigor and, if needed, can guide the expansion into a regional CME bod