Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-q99xh Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-23T18:33:45.214Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

A national network for the tele-education of canadian residents in pediatric cardiology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 August 2006

J. P. Finley
Affiliation:
IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS
M. J. Beland
Affiliation:
Montréal Children's Hospital, Montréal, PQ
C. Boutin
Affiliation:
Hopital Ste-Justine, Montréal
W. J. Duncan
Affiliation:
B.C. Children's & Women's Health Centre, Vancouver, BC
J. D. Dyck
Affiliation:
Alberta Children's Hospital, Edmonton, AB
M. C. K. Hosking
Affiliation:
Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON
D. Nykanen
Affiliation:
Hospital for Sick Children. Toronto, ON, Canada

Abstract

A trial of 11 video-conferenced teaching sessions for residents in pediatric cardiology was performed by the 7 training programs in Canada in order to share expertise in specialized areas, to expose trainees to educational telemedicine, and to acquaint residents with other programs and personnel. Topics included cardiac pathology, arrhythmias, magnetic resonance imaging, fetal physiology, pulmonary hypertension, and cardiomyopathy. The sessions were evaluated by 93 residents by questionnaire for content and technology. Session content was highly rated. Videoconference picture quality was highly rated, but sound quality and visual aids were rated as neutral or unsatisfactory by a significant minority,related to problems with several early sessions, subsequently corrected. 60% of respondents rated the videoconferences as good as live presentations. Presenters were generally satisfied although they required some adjustments to videoconferencing. The average cost per session was $700 Canadian. Videoconferencing of resident educational sessions was generally well accepted by most presenters and residents, and the trial has formed the basis for a national network. Adequate organizational time, and careful attention to audiovisual needs, are most important. Videoconference guidelines are suggested for presenters based on this experience.

Type
Original Article
Copyright
2001 Cambridge University Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)