Residents’ use of mobile technologies: three challenges for graduate medical education

Abstract

IntroductionThe practice of medicine involves, among other things, managing ambiguity, interpreting context and making decisions in the face of uncertainty. These uncertainties, amplified for learners, can be negotiated in a variety of ways; however, the promise, efficiency and availability of mobile technologies and clinical decision supports make these tools an appealing way to manage ambiguity.Mobile technologies are becoming increasingly prevalent in medical education and in the practice of medicine. Because of this, we explored how the use of mobile technologies is influencing residents’ experiences of graduate medical education.MethodsWe conducted an 18-month qualitative investigation to explore this issue. Our research was conceptually and theoretically framed in sociomaterial studies of professional learning. Specifically, our methods included logging of technology use and related reflexive writing by residents (n=10), interviews with residents (n=12) and interviews with faculty (n=6).ResultsWe identified three challenges for graduate medical education related to mobile technology use: (1) efficiency versus critical thinking; (2) patient context versus evidence-based medicine and (3) home/work-life balance.DiscussionIn this digital age, decontextualised knowledge is readily available. Our data indicate that rather than access to accurate knowledge, the more pressing challenge for medical educators is managing how, when and why learners choose to access that information.

Cyberapprentissage en pédagogie médicale : l’internet va-t-il un jour remplacer les professeurs?

“…MacLeod et Fournier ont mené une étude auprès des résidents en études médicales postdoctoraux pour investiguer de quelle façon l'utilisation des technologies influe sur leur apprentissage. 10 Les chercheurs ont trouvé que les professeurs et les résidents appréciaient l'utilisation des technologies mobiles pour gérer le stress et les divers aspects de l'apprentissage, comme avoir un accès facile et COMMENTARY opportun aux connaissances afin de maximiser l'efficacité de leurs activités quotidiennes et la sécurité des patients. De plus, les résidents participant à cette étude ont souligné l'importance des technologies mobiles dans leur travail clinique et dans leur apprentissage, car les technologies leur permettaient d'avoir accès plus facilement et plus rapidement à l'information dont ils avaient besoin afin de maximiser leur efficacité dans le cadre de leurs activités quotidiennes au travail.…”

The curious case of case study research

“…For example, in a study of resident mobile technology use, MacLeod and colleagues used traditional CSR method of interviews; however, in order to gain a depth of understanding, they also drew on individual residents' logging of technology use, and reflexive writing by participants. 46 4. Challenge of description versus interpretation in case study research:…”

“…We encourage those engaging in CSR to use multiple methods; however, those methods should be carefully selected and engaged in in the interest of building a thorough description and nuanced interpretation. For example, in a study of resident mobile technology use, MacLeod and colleagues used traditional CSR method of interviews; however, in order to gain a depth of understanding, they also drew on individual residents’ logging of technology use, and reflexive writing by participants 46 …”

Can Medical Students Evaluate Medical Websites?

“…In the 21 st century, the Internet is an essential source of medical information for medical practitioners, students and patients. [1][2][3][4][5] The problem with the Internet, however, is that it contains so much information, and distinguishing good (e.g. accurate, evidence-based and appropriate) from bad (e.g.…”

“…In the 21 st century, the internet is an essential source of medical information for medical practitioners, students and patients. 1 – 5 …”