DefinePK

Research Objective

To achieve consensus on opinions of expert medical educationists on the utilization of simulation-based interprofessional education as a teaching strategy for evidence-based practice in undergraduate medical education.

Methodology

Qualitative case study using a modified Delphi technique. Data was collected through online email interviews with expert medical educationists. Communities of practice and transformative learning theory guided the research design. Non-probability, snow-ball sampling was used. Content analysis was employed for data analysis, with Atlas.ti-9 used for organization. The study period was March 2023 to August 2023 at Bahria University Health Sciences Campus.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Define Research Objective"] --> B["Select Theoretical Frameworks: COP & Transformative Learning"];
    B --> C["Conduct Literature Search for EBP Teaching Barriers"];
    C --> D["Recruit Expert Panel using Snow-ball Sampling"];
    D --> E["Conduct Modified Delphi Technique via Email Interviews - Round 1"];
    E --> F["Analyze Round 1 Data, Formulate Codes"];
    F --> G["Provide Controlled Feedback to Participants - Round 2"];
    G --> H["Analyze Round 2 Data, Refine Statements"];
    H --> I["Share Final Statements for Endorsement - Round 3"];
    I --> J["Analyze Consensus and Stability of Statements"];
    J --> K["Report Findings and Conclusions"];                    

Discussion

Challenges to implementing simulation-based interprofessional education include a lack of cooperation among healthcare professional teams and faculty reluctance to change. While literature suggests various teaching methodologies for evidence-based practice, there is no consensus on the most effective single strategy. Research on simulation-based interprofessional education for evidence-based practice teaching in Pakistan is insufficient. Email interviews, while concise, may limit detailed responses. The steering group's active role in consensus generation could introduce bias, though controlled feedback and member checks aimed to enhance credibility.

Key Findings

Expert consensus was reached on the following:
- Third year: Simulation-based interprofessional education/Assignments/Journal Clubs/Case-based discussions.
- Fourth year: Simulation-based interprofessional education/Journal Clubs/Case-based discussions.
- Final year: Simulation-based interprofessional education/Clinical setting/Journal Clubs.
Ninety percent of experts agreed that simulation-based interprofessional education is a good teaching strategy for evidence-based practice in undergraduate medical education, but it should be used in conjunction with other methods.

Conclusion

Expert consensus indicates that simulation-based interprofessional education is a valuable teaching strategy for evidence-based practice in undergraduate medical education. However, it is most effective when integrated with other methods such as assignments, journal clubs, case-based discussions, workshops, and bedside teaching.

Fact Check

- The study was conducted between March 2023 and August 2023. (Confirmed by text)
- A ninety percent consensus was achieved among experts regarding the effectiveness of simulation-based interprofessional education. (Confirmed by text)
- The study utilized a modified Delphi technique. (Confirmed by text)

Mind Map