Before we get too focused on research papers in the Knowledge Translation section, I thought I would highlight a relevant article from the Education/Resident’s perspective in the Annals of Emergency Medicine. (Boring Disclosure: Two of BoringEM’s Editors, Brent Thoma and Teresa Chan, were authors of this paper.)
The Paper:
Five Strategies to Effectively Use Online Resources in Emergency Medicine (PMID: 24962889)
Why this paper is important?
Because it is a very practical article with tips and tricks relevant to newcomers and well-seasoned FOAMites. The lessons learned might also help connect you with that special article or topic that inspires you to write for BoringEM. It is also a good resource to share with colleagues just starting out online.
Catching up
There is a near-infinite amount of information that health professionals to learn, and an exponentially growing body of resources to help do so (PMID: 24554447). Numerous digital tools can be used to help organize an overwhelming amount of information. Testing those waters can be tricky and take time so these authors provide pro tips.
Bottom Line
Authors highlight 5 strategies to make the most of online resources.
STRATEGY 1: Use a Simple Syndication Reader (RSS)
RSS readers allows you to get information from all different blogs in one location instead of having to surf the web for hours.
- Authors highlight the Annals of EM video by @BoringEM‘s own Brent Thoma (@Brent_Thoma) on setting up Feedly but for more pro tips you could also check out Lauren Westafer’s (@LWestafer) article here.
- The top picks in the article are Digg Reader, Feedly, and G2 Reader
STRATEGY 2: Use a Podcast Application
The same idea as an RSS reader but to organize and centrally locate podcasts.
- There are many available free/inexpensive podcast applications available for smartphones, tablets
- The top picks in the article are Pocketcast, AntennaPod, Podcasts, Podcatcher
STRATEGY 3: Use Compilations to Find Quality Resources
Use pre-selected, curated and collated content lists to stay up to date. Consider creating lists of your favourite resources to share with your learners and colleagues.
- Examples include LITFL review and FOAM EM
STRATEGY 4: Use Social Networks to Connect with Content Producers and Peers
Learning is social and online learning need not be any different. Being active on different social platforms allows you to stay up to date and also engage, not just with content, but with producers too.
- Authors highlight twitter (#FOAMed), Google+ and Facebook. Check out the video by Brent (@Brent_Thoma) on the Annals of EM website on this too.
STRATEGY 5: Use Custom Search Engines to Find resources When They are Needed
A custom search engine FOAMSearch only pulls hits from specific sites that are relevant to emergency medicine and critical care clinicians. It makes finding the information that you need, easier.
For more top tips give the article a read!
Eve Purdy (@purdy_eve)
MD Candidate, 2015
Medical Student Editor, BoringEM
Eve Purdy
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