Abstract
Since the first journal clubs were started this educational tool has been used by the medical profession with varying degrees of success (Linzer, 1987). Journal clubs allow trainees to review a piece of published research and discuss it with senior colleagues. They are frequently plagued by poor attendance and perceived as less than exciting, and at worst frankly boring. The enormous choice of journals compared with 100 years ago and the diversity of the media available mean that journal clubs should look towards developing in their format. Various methods have been tried to improve attendance, perceived relevance and enjoyment, such as evidence-based medicine reviews (Gilbody, 1996), teaching critical appraisal skills, and using structured review methods (Burstein et al, 1996). Sidorov (1995) surveyed 131 postgraduate programmes in the eastern USA and found the following features were associated with high attendance and continuous existence of journal clubs: smaller residency programmes, making attendance mandatory, providing food and promoting original research articles.
Highlights
Since the first journal clubs were started this educational tool has been used by the medical profession with varying degrees of success (Linzer, 1987)
The subject of the alternative presenta tions had to be relevant to psychiatry but no othWerithresthtreictciolinnsicalwetruetolra'sid adgorweenm. ent, a trial of this method was performed for six months
The journal club involved between one and three consultants, two senior registrars and eight senior house officers
Summary
Since the first journal clubs were started this educational tool has been used by the medical profession with varying degrees of success (Linzer, 1987). Journal clubs allow trainees to review a piece of published research and discuss it with senior colleagues. They are frequently plagued by poor attendance and perceived as less than exciting, and at worst frankly boring. The traditional format was followed of a recent journal article being presented and discussed - or not, as the lack of motivation had spread even to those who were due to present the articles. This led to cancellations at short notice, lateness of arrival and poorly prepared presentations. The clin ical tutor decided to update the journal club and offer an opportunity to use imagination and creativity, as well as developing the skill of critical evaluation
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