Speed journal clubs: A novel application of literature evaluation and presentation at a non-teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND

Traditional journal clubs are incorporated into pharmacy education and are typically thirty to sixty minutes in duration. Multiplying this by the number of students and residents makes journal club discussions a significant time commitment for participants, preceptors, and pharmacy staff members. The purpose of this study was to develop an activity that enhances participants' ability to interpret and summarize the findings of a study in a brief and concise manner.

EDUCATIONAL

Activity and setting: After independently evaluating their chosen journal article, students/residents were grouped into pairs. One presenter in each pair had five minutes to present to their partner, with two minutes for questions and answers; the partner presented in the same manner. Groups then rotated and repeated the activity. Assessment of the activity included session debriefing and an online questionnaire.

FINDINGS

Twenty-six questionnaires were returned (response rate 90%). The majority of respondents (88%) felt they learned how to concisely summarize and present pertinent information from a published journal article. Respondents (81%) also felt that they will use these skills in their practice. Furthermore, respondents found that their presentation and listening skills improved with each round (89% and 85%, respectively). Time spent on journal clubs decreased per experiential time frame from approximately four hours to 90 minutes.

SUMMARY

A novel journal club activity that is termed "speed journal clubs" was well received, offered opportunities for education on several topics in a short time, enhanced skills in concise communication, and decreased the amount of time spent on journal clubs.