Situating Remediation: Accommodating Success and Failure in Medical Education Systems

The education avenue of the clinical learning environment: A pragmatic approach

Aim: This perspective is part of a series of articles that are outcomes of a consensus conference, that seek to offer a comprehensive examination of the clinical learning environment (CLE), using different academic disciplines and areas of focus termed "avenues." The education dimensions of the CLE are discussed in detail in this perspective, along with critical linkages to the other avenues. Methods: Using iterative presentations, discussion and small group work, in October 2018, the consensus conference participants explored the education, psychological, sociocultural, diversity and inclusion, digital and architectural aspects of the CLE. Results: The education avenue of the CLE includes elements of teaching and learning such as the curriculum, clinical experiences, the assessment system, educational program governance, trainee selection, faculty development, and program evaluation and improvement. Within the educational domain, we focus on organizational and personal/social aspects of the CLE, including (1) curriculum design and deployment, including placement of trainees in clinical settings, organizational culture, practices and policies, and accreditation and regulatory requirements from the organizational domain (2) the education system, including assessment, program evaluation and organization and governance; and (3) elements from the personal and social domains, including peer-to-peer, trainee-faculty, and trainee-patient relationships that influence how and what postgraduate trainees learn, trainee selection, informal and hidden curricula, and trainees' perceptions of their learning environment. Conclusions: We provide suggestions for further research and recommendations for addressing challenges and facilitating improvement in the educational aspects of the CLE, along with actionable practice points.

A practical framework for remediating unprofessional behavior and for developing professionalism competencies and a professional identity

The relatively new term "Professional Identity Formation" (PIF) complements behavior-based and attitude-based perspectives on professionalism. Unprofessional behavior and its remediation should also be addressed from this perspective. However, a framework is needed to guide discussion and remediation of unprofessional behavior, which can encompass behavior-based, attitude-based, and identity-based perspectives on professionalism. To this end, the authors propose a multi-level professionalism framework which describes, apart from professional behavior, more levels which influence professional performance: environment, competencies, beliefs, values, identity, and mission. The different levels can provide tools for educators to address and discuss unprofessional behavior with their students in a comprehensive way. By reflecting on all the different levels of the framework, educators guard themselves against narrowing the discussion to either professional behavior or professional identity. The multi-level professionalism framework can help educators and students to gain a better understanding of the root of unprofessional behavior, and of remediation strategies that would be appropriate. For despite the recent emphasis on PIF, unprofessional behavior and its remediation will remain important issues in medical education.

'Failure to fail': the teacher's dilemma revisited

Noting that failure is a part of learning, Mak‐van der Vossen draws metaphors from the world of medical error to suggest that ‘blame‐free’ approaches to educational support must be established.

Struggling Medical Learners: A Competency-Based Approach to Improving Performance

INTRODUCTION

Faculty must be trained to recognize, analyze, and provide feedback and resources to struggling medical learners. Training programs must be equipped to intervene when necessary with individualized remediation efforts to ensure learner success.

METHODS

This 90-minute interactive faculty development workshop provides a foundational competency-based framework for identifying and assisting the struggling medical learner. The workshop uses a mock academic promotions committee meeting addressing the case of a struggling undergraduate learner. The workshop was presented at two regional conferences, and participants completed an anonymous evaluation form containing 10 items on a 5-point Likert scale and two open-ended questions. Data were analyzed and a subgroup analysis performed using an independent t test and correlation. Qualitative data were read and coded for representative themes by two authors.

RESULTS

Fifty-five participants completed an evaluation form. The quality of the workshop was high (M = 4.5, SD = 0.6); participants agreed that the learning objectives were achieved and relevant to their educational needs (M = 4.4, SD = 0.7). A significant positive correlation existed between perceived quality and the interactive elements (.70, p < .05) as well as the intention to apply learning (.60, p < .05). Written comments revealed six themes: role-play, resources, interaction with colleagues, modeling, relevant content, and the process of learning.

DISCUSSION

The workshop's quality, relevance, and applicability were rated excellent among medical educators. Participants felt the interactive nature of the workshop was its most useful aspect, and a majority intended to apply the learning to their practice.

Untying the Gordian knot: remediation problems in medical schools that need remediation

This position paper discusses on-going academic remediation challenges within the field of medical education. More specifically, we identify three common contemporary problems and propose four recommendations to strengthen remediation efforts. Selecting or determining what type of remediation is needed for a particular student is akin to analyzing a Gordian knot with individual, institutional and systemic contributors. More emphasis, including multi-institutional projects and research funding is needed. Recommendations regarding language use and marketing of such programs are given.

To fail is human: remediating remediation in medical education

INTRODUCTION

Remediating failing medical learners has traditionally been a craft activity responding to individual learner and remediator circumstances. Although there have been moves towards more systematic approaches to remediation (at least at the institutional level), these changes have tended to focus on due process and defensibility rather than on educational principles. As remediation practice evolves, there is a growing need for common theoretical and systems-based perspectives to guide this work.

METHODS

This paper steps back from the practicalities of remediation practice to take a critical systems perspective on remediation in contemporary medical education. In doing so, the authors acknowledge the complex interactions between institutional, professional, and societal forces that are both facilitators of and barriers to effective remediation practices.

RESULTS

The authors propose a model that situates remediation within the contexts of society as a whole, the medical profession, and medical education institutions. They also outline a number of recommendations to constructively align remediation principles and practices, support a continuum of remediation practices, destigmatize remediation, and develop institutional communities of practice in remediation.

DISCUSSION

Medical educators must embrace a responsible and accountable systems-level approach to remediation if they are to meet their obligations to provide a safe and effective physician workforce.