Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (RCPS) emergency medicine (EM) residents must complete a scholarly project; however, significant variation exists in Canadian EM resident research education and facilitation. We developed and implemented a novel mandatory research education rotation for RCPS EM residents intended to increase knowledge, faculty/resident collaborations, and, ultimately, scholarly output. This 4-week rotation took place in the fall of 2011 and consisted of 37 faculty-led didactic, critical appraisal, and workshop seminars. Exposure to faculty research and resulting opportunities and the development of resident research projects were integrated into the rotation. Twelve participating residents completed daily evaluations and took part in an exit focus group analyzed using a constant comparative method. Knowledge acquisition was assessed with a pre/post comprehensive examination instrument evaluated by a paired t-test. Evaluations indicated generally high satisfaction throughout the rotation. Focus group analysis indicated that residents felt two important but competing goals existed: developing a research project and developing critical appraisal skills. The research knowledge of all participants improved significantly (mean/SD examination change +35.4%/+10.4%, range +20.0% to +53.6%, p , 0.001), and several new resident/faculty research collaborations arose from the rotation. A rotation of this nature is an efficient and effective means to increase research and critical appraisal knowledge and faculty/resident collaborations. As a result of our positive experience, the rotation will continue annually and has been expanded to include pediatric EM fellows. Longitudinal tracking of the participating trainee cohort will remain ongoing to assess the scholarly output impact of the rotation.

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus affects over 2.7 million Canadians, with 90% being Type-2 diabetes (CDA 2010). Complications of diabetes are major causes for emergency department (ED) visits, adversely affecting patients’ health and costing the health system. Improving diabetes self-management can lead to avoidance of ED visits and revisits after discharge. Recent developments in mobile Health (mHealth), such as home health monitoring with sensors, social media, and text messaging, have shown promise in supporting patients in chronic disease self-management. This project tested the feasibility of these tools to support self-management for people with type-2 diabetes. Methods: Forty-three people with type-2 diabetes took part in a three month program that provided: health information via text messages, online access to curated resources and a facilitated discussion board, and access to wireless monitoring devices. Participants were outfitted with a wireless blood pressure monitor and weight scale, standard blood glucose monitor, and online access to their physiological data. Data collected included pre and post-self-reported health measures, tracking of physiological changes, website and discussion board use, cost survey, and interviews. Results: Participants reported significantly less health distress and an increase in diabetes empowerment. HbA1c levels decreased from an average of 7.41 to 6.77. Average weight and blood glucose also decreased over the study period. Interview and cost survey findings revealed most participants felt mDAWN provided good value; 78% expressed interest in continuing all or parts of the program. Interview findings revealed that participants developed self-management routines, and experienced increased self-awareness of, and ownership over, their health achievements. Conclusion: mHealth tools provided participants with their own physiologic information, connection with peers, and evidence informed advice. Participants highly valued this combination and improved their self-management and health outcomes. Equipping patients with similar tools for self-management post ED discharge holds great promise for decreasing revisits and improving health outcomes. This study has stimulated a clinical trial now underway to evaluate the effectiveness of home monitoring to facilitate the transition of patients between acute care and community settings.