Key stakeholder opinions for a national learner education handover

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Health Professions Education
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Information sharing supports learner progression and patient safety in medical training.
• A proposed national Learner Education Handover (LEH) process aims to standardize information exchange during the undergraduate to postgraduate medical education transition in Canada.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine stakeholder views on a proposed national Learner Education Handover (LEH) process.
• To explore potential benefits, risks, and guiding principles for the LEH.

Main Methods:

• Focus groups were conducted with diverse key stakeholders in medical education.
• Data analysis involved transcription, independent coding, and thematic analysis using constructivist grounded theory.

Main Results:

• Sixty participants from 16 focus groups recognized the value of a national LEH for smoother transitions.
• Stakeholders identified potential risks and benefits, with themes emerging around content, process, and format.
• Guiding principles included a learner-centered approach, patient safety, resident wellness, and professionalism.

Conclusions:

• The Learner Education Handover (LEH) process should prioritize learner advocacy and privacy.
• It must also actively promote professionalism, patient safety, and resident wellness during the critical transition period.