Presenter:
Lindsay Callan
Authors:
Lindsay Callan, Michelle Baysan, Stephanie Ameyaw, Jennie Barrows, Bob Bluman, Brenna Lynn
Poster Abstract:
Background: UBC’s Division of Continuing Professional Development (UBC CPD) delivers approximately 30 in-person continuing medical education (CME) conferences each year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in response to social distancing requirements, we needed to rapidly transition our faceto-face CME events to a virtual delivery method.
Purpose: To pivot large group in-person CME to a virtual delivery method while preserving the networking and fellowship elements of a traditional in-person conference.
Methods: We used our past experiences delivering webinars and translated that knowledge to longer and more complex conference formats and agendas. We investigated videoconferencing platforms that could quickly meet our needs and worked with UBC MedIT to achieve a solution. We chose Zoom as our delivery tool and focused our energies on training our moderators and faculty who are subject matter expert panelists on how to use it (technical introduction), as well as reviewed best practices to keep the audience engaged.
Results: Seven virtual conferences were delivered between April 3 and June 30. The virtual platform enabled broader participation and attracted record attendance numbers by providing low barrier options (cost and travel) for learners while retaining high-value education. Early lessons learned included the importance of staff and faculty training as well as incorporating best practices for enhancing engagement and interaction within the virtual learning space.
Conclusion: As virtual CPD continues for the foreseeable future, our audience and stakeholders will continue to expect relevant high-quality education from our unit. As we move into the fall season, we look forward to innovating our programming to meet the needs of our learners.
Key words: virtual, conference, education
