OBJECTIVE: The proportion of U.K. medical students applying for psychiatry training continues to decline, whereas, in Somaliland, there are no public-sector psychiatrists. This pilot study assessed the usefulness and feasibility of online, instant messenger, peer-to-peer exchange for psychiatry education between cultures. METHOD: Twenty medical students from King's College, London, and Hargeisa University (Somaliland) met online in pairs every 2 weeks to discuss prearranged psychiatric topics, clinical cases, and treatment options, completing online evaluations throughout. RESULTS: Average ratings of the enjoyment, academic helpfulness, and interest of sessions were 4.31, 3.56, and 4.54 (of a maximum of 5), respectively; 83% would recommend the partnership to a friend. CONCLUSION: This partnership enabled students on both sides to exploit psychiatry-learning resources at the other's disposal, outside the standard medical education context, illustrating the benefits to medical students in dramatically different locations of partnership through telemedicine. This pilot study presents an innovative, cost-effective, under-used approach to international medical education.
OBJECTIVE: The proportion of U.K. medical students applying for psychiatry training continues to decline, whereas, in Somaliland, there are no public-sector psychiatrists. This pilot study assessed the usefulness and feasibility of online, instant messenger, peer-to-peer exchange for psychiatry education between cultures. METHOD: Twenty medical students from King's College, London, and Hargeisa University (Somaliland) met online in pairs every 2 weeks to discuss prearranged psychiatric topics, clinical cases, and treatment options, completing online evaluations throughout. RESULTS: Average ratings of the enjoyment, academic helpfulness, and interest of sessions were 4.31, 3.56, and 4.54 (of a maximum of 5), respectively; 83% would recommend the partnership to a friend. CONCLUSION: This partnership enabled students on both sides to exploit psychiatry-learning resources at the other's disposal, outside the standard medical education context, illustrating the benefits to medical students in dramatically different locations of partnership through telemedicine. This pilot study presents an innovative, cost-effective, under-used approach to international medical education.
Authors: Todd M Pollack; Vo Thi Tuyet Nhung; Dang Thi Nhat Vinh; Duong Thi Hao; Le Thi Thu Trang; Pham Anh Duc; Nguyen Van Kinh; Nguyen Thi Hoai Dung; Duong Lan Dung; Nguyen Thi Ninh; Ho Thi Thanh Huyen; Vo Xuan Huy; Duong Minh Hai; Truong Huu Khanh; Nguyen Thi Thu Hien; Pham Tram An Khuong; Nguyen The Trong; Nguyen Van Lam; Vu Ngoc Phinh; Do Thi Phuong; Nguyen Duc Duat; Nguyen Thanh Liem; Nguyen Thanh Binh; Nguyen K Chi; Le Ngoc Yen; Lisa Cosimi Journal: BMJ Glob Health Date: 2020-04-08
Authors: Roshit K Bothara; Malama Tafuna'i; Tim J Wilkinson; Jen Desrosiers; Susan Jack; Philip K Pattemore; Tony Walls; Faafetai Sopoaga; David R Murdoch; Andrew P Miller Journal: Global Health Date: 2021-09-03 Impact factor: 4.185