Survey on the teaching commitments in the medical school curriculum by Intensivists
(1) What is the study about?
The purpose of this survey is to identify what level of commitment to Intensive Care Medicine teaching is provided around Australia and New Zealand by the universities. Intensive Care specialists are often requested by universities to teach medical students on how to identify and initially manage the acutely decompansating or critically ill patient. Specifically we are focusing on the format of teaching in relation to other medical specialties, the extent and depth or teaching in each unit, the level of commitment from universities, and further outlook for teaching Intensive Care medicine.
There is marked variation in teaching and a recognised level of poor achievement by many medical graduates in this specific area. There is a need to quantify this, so as to provide a basis from which Intensive Care teams can argue for better resources and support from the Universities. In addition there appears to be considerable variation among universities as to the priority of this topic within the large curriculum, and also as to what level of support is given by the medical schools for its delivery. For example, some universities have not placed much importance on the concept of a primary survey in the absence of a diagnosis. In addition some universities don’t have a separate division or discipline of Intensive Care Medicine.
There have been student surveys and university medical school surveys on this question but none have asked the departments teaching in the clinical setting. The focus of this survey is on the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care departments themselves. This should enable an improvement in medical student education in this vital area.
(2) Who is carrying out the study?
This research is being done by Professor Anthony McLean (Director Nepean Intensive Care) and Sarah Whereat, (Clinical skills Educator, Nepean Clinical school, University of Sydney).
(3) What does the study involve?
These survey forms are being sent out to all Intensive Care Units listed by ANZICs (Australia and New Zealand Care Society) Core. This society has an active research unit, the Clinical Trials Group, designed to facilitate all means of research within this group.
We ask that each director of the unit complete this survey or ask the person responsible for coordinating the teaching of medical students to complete this survey. We require only one completed survey per unit.
For each participant the study involves the completion of the survey and the return of survey in the envelope provided or completion of survey attached to email letter regarding this survey.
(4) How much time will the study take?
We believe that it will only take a maximum of 20 minutes to complete.
(5) Can I withdraw from the study?
Being in this study is completely voluntary and you are not under any obligation to consent to complete the survey. Submitting a completed survey is an indication of your consent to participate in the study. You can withdraw any time prior to submitting your completed survey. Once you have submitted your survey if done anonymously, your responses cannot be withdrawn.
(6) Will anyone else know the results?
All aspects of the study, including results, will be strictly confidential and only the researchers will have access to information on participants. A report of the study may be submitted for publication, but individual participants will not be identifiable in such a report.
(7) Will the study benefit me?
It will provide better understanding of the challenges, logistics and responsibilities of teaching Intensive Care Medicine to the medical student. The ultimate idea is to develop a general framework which an individual ICU can use to evaluate needs and responsibilities.
(8) Can I tell other people about the study?
Please do, the more information received the more valuable the results will be.
(9) What if I require further information?
When you have read this information, Sarah Whereat will discuss it with you further and answer any questions you may have. If you would like to know more at any stage, please feel free to contact Professor Anthony McLean (Director Nepean Intensive Care) and Sarah Whereat (Clinical Skills Educator, Nepean Clinical School, University of Sydney) 02 4734 1754.
(10) What if I have a complaint or concerns?
Any person with concerns or complaints about the conduct of a research study can contact the Senior Ethics Officer, Ethics Administration, University of Sydney on (02) 9351 4811 (Telephone); (02) 9351 6706 Facsimile).