The virtual continuity in learning programme: results.
BACKGROUND
The implementation of the European Working Time Directive and specialty-driven care has resulted in the loss of continuity of patient care, and thus a loss of continuity in learning. We proposed a potential solution to this fragmentation of junior doctor workplace learning in the Virtual Continuity in Learning Programme (VCLP). The VCLP enables the doctor to follow the virtual patient journey (of an actual patient who is no longer under their care) using the Virtual Consulting Room (VcR), and to understand the rationale behind clinical decision making prior to completing their case-based discussion (CbD) work-based assessments.


METHODS
Fifty-seven out of 62 (92%) of foundation doctors (Homerton University Hospital, London, UK) consented to participate in the study. Web-tracking software was used. Fifty-three out of 57 (93%) doctors completed an initial questionnaire. Twenty-nine out of 57 (51%) doctors returned a follow-up questionnaire 6 months later. Eleven doctors were interviewed in three focus groups: the VcR user group; the VcR non-user group; and a mixed group. The data was analysed qualitatively.


RESULTS
Tracking showed 33.3 per cent (19/57) of doctors used the VcR over a 6-month period. Interestingly doctors used the VcR in a range of situations, not solely as instructed. Results enabled us to understand how doctors learn and their perception of using the VCLP to support their learning and completion of work-based assessments.


CONCLUSIONS
Foundation doctors use the educational resources available, including the VcR, to help structure their workplace learning. The majority of VcR users found it particularly useful for just-in-time learning. The VCLP offers support to junior doctors learning during their preparation for case-based discussion.
Academic Department of Medical and Surgical Gastroenterology, Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
Eleanor
E
Wood
Simon
S
Tso
D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D003479:Curriculum; D017144:Focus Groups; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007858:Learning; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D006113:United Kingdom; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D014743:Videotape Recording; D017132:Workplace