Fitting It All In: An Interactive Workshop for Clinician-Educators to Improve Medical Education in the Ambulatory Setting

INTRODUCTION: Despite the demonstrated benefits that ambulatory teaching has for patients, learners, and preceptors, there have recently been significant reductions in time allocated to bedside teaching. In response to this decline, multiple techniques have been developed to improve the ability of clinician-educators to teach effectively within busy learner-focused continuity clinics. METHODS: This 90-minute interactive workshop helps participants improve their ability to effectively teach in the ambulatory care setting. The session opens with learners exploring the benefits of and barriers to ambulatory teaching within their unique environment. Two evidence-based techniques are then presented: the Five Microskills model and Summarize, Narrow, Analyze, Probe, Plan, Select (SNAPPS) model. Participants analyze videos depicting these techniques, then practice in structured role-plays. Participants then revisit their initial reflections and discuss ways to both overcome common challenges and integrate the newly learned skills into their roles as clinician-educators. RESULTS: This workshop has been presented five times at academic medical centers, at a medical school in the U.S. during departmental and divisional grand rounds, and at an internationally attended medical education conference. Institutional survey data are available from 98 learners. Over 90% of respondents rated the session very good or excellent. Comments suggested the need for more detailed techniques to overcome barriers and additional time for practice. These suggestions have been included in the current session. DISCUSSION: This interactive workshop is designed for clinician-educators in ambulatory medical education. It has been well received in a variety of national academic settings and modified to be applicable in a variety of educational environments.