Would you like to spend the downtime at work productively? Would you like to achieve a certificate to show that you have been learning and make it count towards your continuing professional development (CPD)? There is an easy way to do this using online resources such e-learning modules that you can pause and come back to at any time on your phone or if you are lucky a computer.
During downtime I am always itching to learn something new and also make it count towards my end of year reviews. I can stop and restart where I left off between the jobs that come up through the shift, by the end of the working day I am able to demonstrate how much time I spent on learning with a certificate of completion.
Some days are far too hectic to spend any time on e-learning, but when I do complete a module I am able to relax in the evening knowing I was able to fit in revision and strengthen my portfolio at the same time.
In this post I would like to show you how to use online learning effectively as a revision technique and how to demonstrate CPD.
Interweaving online learning to a revision schedule
Identify a topic in your revision list ensuring that it is specific (e.g. recurrent UTIs).
Read any resources as part of your ongoing learning (e.g. national guideline, anatomy of the urinary tract).
Complete an online module based on the above (e.g. there is a specific module on managing recurrent UTIs in general practice from ThinkGP).
Keep a notebook and pen handy for any interesting points that you learn.
Add the new knowledge that you have learned to your existing revision notes.
Not all topics will have an online resources however the most common conditions often do, and these show up in exams most of the time.
Reflecting on online learning
For bonus points and improved knowledge retention, you can reflect on the e-module or webinar and add it to your portfolio.
You can simply write down 2-3 things that you have learned from the online resource and any further reading that needs to be completed.
An action plan with SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time orientated) goals can be formulated which serves as a revision guide.
The whole activity can take as little as 10-15 minutes and can be structured in bullet points.
In the future you can look back on the reflection to review the main learning points and this forms a part of your ongoing revision as well as your portfolio.
Where to find resources
Free e-learning modules are available from most specialty colleges (if you are a trainee) and professional health organisations but you will need to create an online account first. I have included a list of a few important resources and this will be updated over time, if you have any resources to add to this list please email me at Doctorology.podcast@gmail.com.
Trauma Victoria
Bloodsafe e-learning Australia
RACGP webinars (most are free)
Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)
ThinkGP
Safer Baby Bundle (from the Stillbirth Centre of research Excellence)
NPS Medicinewise
Lung Foundation Australia
Emerging Minds
Summary
Online learning is an easy and free way to boost your knowledge while simultaneously gaining a certificate to show your hard work. It is also a nice change to revising from a textbook and they are often colourful with helpful illustrations that will enhance the learning experience.
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