Resident run journal club: A model based on the adult learning theory

Abstract

Background: Multiple formats of journal club exist but data is lacking regarding which model is most effective. Many residents are dissatisfied with their current format, which was the case at our institution. Aim: This article discusses a resident run model, residents' perceptions following its implementation, and recommendations for running a successful journal club. Methods: A resident run model of journal club was developed based on Adult Learning Theory. A 30-question survey was created to assess residents' attitudes and satisfaction with the new model. Results: All respondents preferred the new model compared to the old model. Residents reported the new model increased their medical knowledge (88%) and they were able to apply the methods learned in journal club to actual patients (82%). Conclusions: A resident run model of journal club may be a viable option for those attempting to start or improve their current club.

Improving journal clubs through the use of positive deviance: A mixed-methods study

“…Clinicians may feel they are attending a statistical meeting rather than a continuing medical education event. It is the organizers' responsibility to improve participant satisfaction; however, there are very few published strategies to turn to (7)(8)(9)(10).…”

“…Despite their common implementation, journal clubs are often unsatisfactory for both the staff physicians and residents (7,8). Thus, journal club organizers are often left with the challenge of improving club design and execution (9,10) -a difficult task given the relative paucity of published information in this area.…”

Impact of Offering Continuing Respiratory Care Education Credit Hours on Staff Participation in a Respiratory Care Journal Club

“…Although the situation is not entirely parallel, 2 studies of medical residents' journal clubs found that attendees favored having the meetings run by the residents, without faculty participation. 9,11 Other factors that have been reported to improve the quality and/or participation in healthcare journal clubs include involving a medical librarian to facilitate article selection and other aspects of the process. 13 On-line journal clubs 10 and the incorporation of video conferencing into the meeting environment 14 have also been reported.…”

“…3,9,10 Several authors have attempted to identify aspects of journal club structure and operation that best facilitate attendance and satisfaction, 2,3,11,12 including designating a club leader, clearly defined goals, Internet marketing the club, and making the papers available to the participants beforehand. 2,3 Several other aspects of journal club operation have also been touted as promoting participation, although the findings and recommendations of various authors have differed.…”

“…4,5 When appropriately run and tailored to attendees' educational and other needs, journal clubs increase participants' knowledge 6,7 and are popular among attendees. 8,9 In 2005 our institution's respiratory care department initiated a voluntary journal club to help staff members keep up with advances in the science of respiratory care as published in the peer-reviewed literature. We opened attendance to all interested respiratory therapists in the community.…”