MedEdPublish (Jan 2019)
The Best Practice Conference: An Interactive Practice-Based Learning Activity for Resident and Faculty Development
Abstract
Objective: The Best Practice Conference (BPC) was designed to use active techniques to enhance measurable learning from a continuing medical education program. Design: The BPC incorporated flipped-classroom techniques, guided discussion, and peer based components to enhance learning. The impact of the BPC was measured by comparing pre-conference, post-conference, and 3-month follow-up data. Setting: The BPC started with emails to likely attendees. The conference occurred during a regularly scheduled Grand Rounds time slot. There were subsequent follow up e-mails to those who had attended. Methods: The Best Practice Conference involved e-mail contact with residents and faculty members who were likely to attend the conference. These e-mails included clinical scenarios, questions about treatment options, and journal articles. The BPC lasted for 1.5 hours and included a variety of active learning techniques. These conferences were attended by psychiatry residents and faculty members. The attendees were contacted several months later and asked questions about the BPC. Results: Between 39 - 48% of attendees changed their recommended treatment over the course of the conference, and three months later approximately 10% of attendees reported that their practice patterns had changed because of the Best Practice Conference. The Best Practice Conference catalyzes developmental learning where clinicians critically evaluate their practice habits in the context of the medical literature and the practices of their peers. Conclusions: The Best Practice Conference promotes impactful Practice Based Learning and Improvement among residents and faculty members.
