Academic Half-Days: Facilitated Small Groups to Promote Interactive Learning.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Continuing Professional Development

Background:

• Growing interest in interactive, less didactic formats for postgraduate medical training.
• Need to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of alternative teaching methods for academic half-days (AHDs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation of a practice-based small-group learning (PBSGL) process within AHDs.
• To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of PBSGL for family medicine residents.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods approach over two years with family medicine residents.
• Inclusion of PBSGL sessions discussing clinical cases and reflecting on experiences.
• Data collection via questionnaires, a practice reflection tool, and interviews.

Main Results:

• High resident participation (93%) in PBSGL groups.
• Participants found small-group interactions beneficial for learning and experience sharing.
• Resident-facilitated groups and evidence-based modules were effective, though application to practice was limited by case relevance.

Conclusions:

• Practice-based small-group learning (PBSGL) is a feasible and effective component of AHDs.
• Resident facilitation and evidence-based modules enhance the learning experience.
• Future iterations should focus on ensuring clinical case relevance for practice application.