Exploring perspectives of personal learning plans in a residency programme

Personal learning plans (PLPs) have gained traction in postgraduate medical education as an avenue for enhancing resident learning. However, implementing PLPs in real-world education settings presents unique challenges. To realise the potential of PLPs, we must understand the factors that influence the quality of PLP implementation. The purpose of this study was to explore the use and implementation of PLPs during residency training from the residents' and academic advisors' perspectives within a competency-based residency programme.

We conducted semi-structured interviews with residents (n = 18) and academic advisors (n = 9) in an Internal Medicine residency programme at a Canadian academic centre. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using open coding.

Three higher order themes were developed to represent the participants' perceptions of implementing PLPs in a competency-based residency programme: (a) setting the stage for learning, (b) fostering meaningful engagement and (c) learning through reflection. Results indicated that implementing PLPs requires collaboration between residents and academic advisors and supports from the broader programme and institution. PLP implementation is an iterative process that can provide a salient avenue for reflection and the development of self-regulation skills.

PLPs can be a useful tool to foster self-regulated learning skills in residency education. It is imperative to consider how social and environmental supports can be enacted to facilitate engagement with, and implementation of, PLPs.