Harnessing mobile technology to develop a sustainable on the go learning resource for junior doctors

Abstract

Introduction: At KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital’s (KKWCH) Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G), a junior doctor’s handbook exists to guide safe practice. A challenge remains in ensuring relevant, current, and readily accessible content. The onus of re-editing is left to senior clinicians with heavy clinical and supervisory roles, leading to a lack of sustainability. Mobile applications (apps) can be a sustainable ‘just-in-time’ learning resource for junior doctors as they balance new responsibilities with relative inexperience. Methods: The app was developed in-house with the Residency’s EduTech Office. A focus group comprising junior doctors identified content deemed useful. The alpha version was launched in August 2017 and trialled amongst the wider junior doctor population. Data on usefulness were collected through serial focus groups and analysed using grounded theory. Results: An online survey disseminated to all 100 junior doctors showed that 100% owned a smartphone. 97.1% supported this new resource. Consultative discussions recommended inclusion of (i) Procedural and consent information; (ii) Risk calculators; and (iii) Clinical pathways and management algorithms. Mobile learning apps entreat the user to immediately reflect and conceptualise their concrete experiences, and actively experiment with the content to build on his/her current knowledge. Learners become stakeholders in creating their own learning material. Qualitative feedback indicated a continued interest to contribute, underscoring the app’s sustainability potential. Conclusions: Apps can be a sustainable on the go resource developed by junior doctors, for junior doctors. Learners become stakeholders in creating their own learning material through continued reflection, conceptualisation and active experimentation. This can be scaled for wider clinical use.