1366 Design and initiation of a two- day regional virtual MRCPCH clinical examination course. (17th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mbeledogu, Chukwudumebi; Layman, Shoshana; Shelladurai, Sivakami; Brookes, Isobel; Kumar, Ratna
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 107(2022)Supplement 2
• Page Start: A406
• Page End: A407
• Publication Date: 2022-08-17
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2022-rcpch.659
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Aims: Courses for the MRCPCH clinical exam have been available for many years throughout the country. Prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic, these courses were held in person, requiring trainees to travel and to pay to attend. Due to the change in the format of the MRCPCH clinical exam, from in-person to virtual, we designed and implemented a virtual course for candidates undertaking the clinical exam. This was a collaborative initiative led by consultants and paediatric trainees. The course was conducted over Zoom and was free for attendees. Methods: Focus group meetings were held with clinical tutors and trainees to obtain key information on important areas to consider when planning the course. A timetable was prepared using the information discussed. The course was structured as a mock-OSCE and planned to occur a fortnight before the exam. This was to allow candidates to benchmark their performance, but also allow enough time for candidates to utilise feedback to adjust their practice. The course covered the following areas: communication skills, neurology, rheumatology, abdominal system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, development, endocrinology, and the approach to the random case. Each area had a consultant overseeing the station who was assisted by senior registrars and junior trainees to write scenarios and facilitate the sessions.The course was run over 2 days and candidates were allocated to the stations. Pre- and post-course questionnaires consisting of multiple choice and free text questions were used to collate feedback from the participants. Results: 20 candidates attended the course. Pre-course Feedback Summary (n=20 candidates) The core learning themes candidates wanted to cover included Development Communication Management of Specialty cases Tips on presentation and formulation of differentials. Post Course Feedback Summary (n=16 candidates) 100% of the candidates would recommend the course to a friend or colleague. 100% of the candidates received very or extremely valuable feedback from the Facilitators. 100% of the candidates had the opportunity to participate 100% of the candidates agreed/strongly agreed that the course was well organized. 93.75% of candidates found the course a lot/a great deal useful. Candidates found the following opportunities most useful: The opportunity to practice and receive feedback from senior team members and to observe other candidates' techniques. Candidates learned the following from the course A good idea of the structure of the exam A systematic approach to cases and formulation of differential diagnosis Clearly listing out all of the findings from cues. Improved confidence and communication skills Presentation of clinical findings and management planning. Candidates felt we could improve the course by doing the following More breakout rooms to enable candidates to practice Planning adequate breaks Recording and Password-protected access to the material for later. Extending the course to 3 days Conclusion: The virtual MRPCH course was a valuable aide to revision. Candidates greatly benefited from the virtual environment, not only because it mirrored what candidates would face, but because it increased accessibility. Working collaboratively ensured a comprehensive programme was created to address the trainees' needs and to help improve the confidence of candidates taking the clinical examinations.