Physical isolation with virtual support: Registrars’ learning via remote supervision

Abstract

Purpose: Changing the current geographical maldistribution of the medical workforce is important for global health. Research regarding programs that train doctors for work with disadvantaged, rural populations is needed. This paper explores one approach of remote supervision of registrars in isolated rural practice. Researching how learning occurs without on-site supervision may also reveal other key elements of postgraduate education.

Methods: Thematic analysis of in-depth interviews exploring 11 respondents’ experiences of learning via remote supervision.

Results: Remote supervision created distinctive learning environments. Respondents’ attributes interacted with external supports to influence whether and how their learning was promoted or impeded. Registrars with clinical and/or life experience, who were insightful and motivated to direct their learning, turned the challenges of isolated practice into opportunities that accelerated their professional development.

Discussion: Remote supervision was not necessarily problematic but instead provided rich learning for doctors training in and for the context where they were needed. Registrars learnt through clinical responsibility for defined populations and longitudinal, supportive supervisory relationships. Responsibility and continuity may be as important as supervisory proximity for experienced registrars.

Acknowledgements

Dr. Susan Wearne would like to thank the research participants for sharing their experiences of remote supervision, and is grateful to Flinders University for library access and General Practice Education and Training's interest in this project. However, the views expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of General Practice Education and Training.

Declaration of interest: Dr. Susan Wearne was a remote GP supervisor between 2003 and 2007 and a medical educator for the Remote Vocational Training Scheme from 2007 to 2009. The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.