Using speed dating sessions to foster collaboration in continuing interdisciplinary education

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Continuing Professional Development
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Background:

• Care gaps exist due to limited knowledge exchange and collaboration among medical specialists.
• Continuing interdisciplinary education (CIDE) can address these gaps.
• Novel methods are needed to stimulate CIDE development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of speed-dating sessions (SDSs) in promoting networking and collaboration for CIDE development among medical specialists.
• To assess participant satisfaction and the impact of SDSs on initiating CIDE activities.

Main Methods:

• A 35-minute SDS was conducted during a faculty development workshop for continuing medical education (CME) directors.
• Participant satisfaction, networking, and collaboration opportunities were assessed via a post-workshop survey.
• CME accreditation files were audited to track CIDE activity development before and after the workshop.

Main Results:

• The majority of participants (18/20) were satisfied with the SDS, finding it efficient for meeting colleagues and identifying collaboration opportunities.
• Sixty percent (12/20) identified actionable collaboration opportunities.
• 19% of participating CME directors (5/26) developed a CIDE activity within two years, compared to none in the preceding year.

Conclusions:

• SDSs are a valuable tool for enhancing networking and knowledge exchange among CME providers.
• This method effectively stimulates the initiation of interdisciplinary education collaborations.
• SDSs can contribute to reducing care gaps through improved interdisciplinary practice.