The virtual hallway consult as an effective means of continuing professional development in physiatry

Canadian Medical Education Journal, 2017 · DOI: · Published: December 15, 2017

Simple Explanation

A personal learning project (PLP) is an accredited form of CPD in Canada, and is a self-initiated learning activity that is stimulated by a question, issue or dilemma in one’s professional practice. Many physicians rely day to day on other physician colleagues that they may consult formally, or informally, in their institution. Given the paucity of same specialty PM&R colleagues in Canadian centres, the idea of Virtual Rehabilitation Hallways (“Hallways”) germinated.

Study Duration

Over 13 years

Participants

38 members

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The SCI Hallway has been running successfully for over 13 years.
2
As of January 2017, there were 38 members, with 2124 messages within approximately 324 conversations.
3
Activity has been consistent since 2003.

Research Summary

The Virtual SCI Hallway is a service set up on Yahoo Groups, with no cost to the users. On this invite-only site, members may post a question, and then all members receive the post by email. Any member may respond. Communication amongst specialists about practice and management of complicated problems is important for CPD, yet is difficult in subspecialized areas of medicine. The SCI Hallway site has been consistently active since 2003 with physiatrists seeking CPD advice about SCI management.

Practical Implications

Facilitates CPD

Virtual hallways provide a practical method for specialists to seek answers to PLPs, especially regarding real-life, complex patient issues.

Extends consultation reach

Inter-physician consultation can now run across the country and potentially around the world, overcoming geographical limitations.

Addresses various CanMEDS roles

The virtual hallway can address questions related to medical expert, advocate, scholar, collaborator, leader and professional roles.

Study Limitations

1
The membership must be invited, this measure ensures that members have adequate credentials
2
Requires moderation to ensure patient information is not revealed
3
Limited to physiatrists seeking CPD advice about SCI management

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