Free Open Access Meducation (FOAM): the rise of emergency medicine and critical care blogs and podcasts (2002–2013)

Abstract

Disruptive technologies are revolutionising continuing professional development in emergency medicine and critical care (EMCC). Data on EMCC blogs and podcasts were gathered prospectively from 2002 through November 2013. During this time there was a rapid expansion of EMCC websites, from two blogs and one podcast in 2002 to 141 blogs and 42 podcasts in 2013. This paper illustrates the explosive growth of EMCC websites and provides a foundation that will anchor future research in this burgeoning field.

The use of free online educational resources by Canadian emergency medicine residents and program directors

“…Initially, these resources were paid for by institutions (e.g., UpToDate) and individuals (e.g., the podcast EM:RAP); however, free OERs are growing in popularity. [6][7][8] Emergency medicine (EM) has become a leader in this area. [6][7][8] Understanding whether learners and their teachers differ in use and choice of free resources is an important next step to comprehending the impact of OERs on medical education.…”

“…[6][7][8] Emergency medicine (EM) has become a leader in this area. [6][7][8] Understanding whether learners and their teachers differ in use and choice of free resources is an important next step to comprehending the impact of OERs on medical education. 9,10 Free OERs vary in content; some are highly referenced, registered with universities, incorporate peer-review processes, and offer continuing medical education credit, whereas others propagate inaccurate information.…”

Podcasts: Accessing, Choosing, Creating, and Disseminating Content

“…Podcasts can vary in length and their episodic release can occur daily to monthly. Podcast use has grown exponentially relative to other asynchronous resources, 1 with learners devoting the most time to podcasts and perceiving podcasts to be a more beneficial resource over traditional books and journals. 2 Whether assigned by a faculty member or selected by a resident, podcasts enable trainees to acquire information at their own pace, are usually free of charge, and afford users immediate access to expert educators.…”

CAEP Residents’ Section: A Unified Voice for Canadian Emergency Medicine Trainees

“…3 In addition, social media has become an important channel for Knowledge Translation (KT). 4,5 An important function of the CAEP RS is to enhance KT through active collaboration with both the CJEM social media team and Free Open Access Medical Education (FOAMed) champions across Canada. By this, the CAEP RS facilitates dialogue between trainees and educators while promoting Canadian EM.…”