A framework for distributed health professions training: using participatory action research to build consensus

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Public Health Systems
• Distributed Learning Models

Background:

• Global trend of health professions training shifting outside academic centers.
• Challenges in integrating educational mandates into complex public health systems.
• Need for stakeholder commitment and national authority support for distributed training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a guiding framework for effective distributed health professions training.
• To inform both practice and policy related to off-campus health education.
• To address resource pressures in public health training sites.

Main Methods:

• Participatory action research over four years.
• Involved national consultative workshops, reflective sessions, and expert reviews with ~240 participants.
• Collaborated with national health departments and professional councils.

Main Results:

• Developed a Framework with guiding principles and essential components for distributed training.
• Highlighted the importance of relationships and multi-sectoral involvement.
• Created an implementation tool with 'Simple Rules for Effective distributed health professions training' and adopted a national consensus statement.

Conclusions:

• Synthesized stakeholder knowledge with existing literature for practical application.
• The Framework and its implementation aided in applying evidence to educational practice.
• Successfully began influencing national policy for distributed health professions training.