Abstract
ObjectivesTo explore the characteristic features and perceived value of free twice-weekly webinars predominantly focusing on the continuing professional development of primary care physicians in Japan. MethodsIn this qualitative study, we conducted a focus group of the webinars’ participants (n=6, a purposive sample). The discussion was recorded, with the recording subsequently transcribed, separated into meaningful segments and then open-coded until thematic saturation was reached. Concepts were generated through selective coding. Finally, the extracted concepts were grouped into categories. ResultsExtracted concepts were grouped into five categories: technological breakthroughs, the creation of learning opportunities, external interaction, stimulation of internal interaction, and the advantages and disadvantages of nationwide expansion. The webinars were perceived to provide a comfortable learning climate, enabling physicians to teach one another, share their experiences and become virtual colleagues. The chat system stimulated real-time interaction between both a main speaker and participants and the participants. Participants were able to ask questions or give comments in a stress-free atmosphere. The webinars were found to elicit real-time, internal interaction within participating sites without interrupting the sessions. Participants also highly valued the absence of commercial sponsorship. The expansion of the webinars raised two concerns: the possibility of speakers becoming nervous and the increased burden on the organizers. ConclusionsThe webinars have successfully allowed sharing of unbiased information and experiences in a comfortable, multifaceted interactive learning environment, enabling participants to feel connected. The chat system permitted interaction not feasible in face-to-face learning opportunities and has shown great promise as a means of online medical education.
Highlights
Continuing professional development (CPD) is an essential component of medicine that keeps physicians and other professionals up-to-date
In the initial phase, videoconferencing was performed on a telephone line that was called an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), which was a digital network that had a higher speed than the traditional telephone network.[8]
The concepts were grouped into categories, which were transformed into a conceptual model that consisted of five categories: 1) technological breakthroughs, 2) creation of learning opportunities, 3) external interaction, 4) stimulation of internal interaction and 5) the advantages and disadvantages of an increasing number of participants
Summary
Continuing professional development (CPD) is an essential component of medicine that keeps physicians and other professionals up-to-date. Rural physicians have limited access to CPD opportunities compared to those in urban areas due to time, expense, travel issues, and a lack of coverage in their practices.[1,2] Videoconferencing (real-time two-way audio plus video communication between two or more locations) has been utilized in CPD since the late 1990s.3-7. In Japan, many rural physicians work alone in their clinics. They experience anxiety about seeing patients who are beyond the scope of their specialty training, psychological pressure stemming from making clinical decisions by themselves, a lack of locum physicians and a sense of loneliness.[10] They have difficulty improving their knowledge, skills, and level of practice.
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