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Browsing by Author "Ahluwalia, Tania"

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    Introduction of a formative assessment tool in a post-graduate training program in India: a mixed methods evaluation
    Douglass, Katherine; Ahluwalia, Tania; McKiernan, Brianna; Patel, Heena; Powell, Natasha; Keller, Jacob; Toy, Serkan (2024-03-01)
    Background: Our institution has longstanding post-graduate education and training partnership programs in Emergency Medicine (EM) across India. A programmatic challenge has been the integration and uptake of evidence-based medicine and lifelong learning concepts. Formative assessment (FA) is intended to enable learners to monitor learning, identify strengths and weaknesses, and target areas of growth. As part of a program improvement initiative, we introduced an online FA tool to existing summative assessments. This study investigates how the FA tool was used and perceived by trainees. Methods: 246 trainees across 19 sites were given access to the FA tool. Usage metrics were monitored over 12 months. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in person with trainees using a purposive sampling methodology. A hybrid thematic analysis approach was used to determine themes. Interviews were coded independently by two blinded researchers using NVivo software. The study was deemed exempt by our institutional review board. Results: There was high variability in trainees’ utilization of the FA tool. Trainees who used the FA tool more performed better on summative exams (r = 0.35, p < 0.001). Qualitative analysis revealed that trainees were motivated to learn for improved clinical knowledge and to be a good physician, not only passing exams. Benefits of the tool included the relationship to clinical practice and thorough explanation of answers, while disadvantages included topics unrelated to India. Conclusion: The integration of a FA tool has provided positive outcomes for trainees in EM education programs in India. Lessons learned may apply globally to other contexts and programs.
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    Violence in the emergency department: a quantitative survey study of healthcare providers in India
    Ahluwalia, Tania; Singh, Sukhpreet; Gandhi, Navvin; Toy, Serkan; Douglass, Katherine; Blanchard, Janice; Davey, Kevin (2024-07-03)
    Background: Workplace violence (WPV) in Emergency Departments (EDs) is an increasingly recognized challenge healthcare providers face in low-resource settings. While studies have highlighted the increased prevalence of WPV in healthcare, most of the existing research has been conducted in developed countries with established laws and repercussions for violence against healthcare providers. More data on WPV against ED providers practicing in low-resource settings is necessary to understand these providers’ unique challenges. Objective: This study aims to gain insight into the incidence and characteristics of WPV among ED healthcare providers in India. Methods: This study was conducted at two EDs in geographically distinct regions of India. A survey was designed to assess violence in EDs among healthcare providers. Surveys were distributed to ED workplace providers, completed by hand, and returned anonymously. Data was entered and stored in the RedCAP database to facilitate analysis. Results: Two hundred surveys were completed by physicians, nurses, and paramedics in Indian EDs. Most reported events involved verbal abuse (68%), followed by physical abuse (26%), outside confrontation (17%), and stalking (5%). By far, the most common perpetrators of violence against healthcare workers were bystanders including patient family members or other accompanying individuals. Notably, reporting was limited, with most cases conveyed to ED or hospital administration. Conclusion: These results underscore the prevalence of WPV among Indian ED healthcare providers. High rates of verbal abuse followed by physical abuse are of concern. Most perpetrators of WPV against healthcare providers in this study were patient family members or bystanders rather than the patients themselves. It is imperative to prioritize implementing prevention strategies to create safer work environments for healthcare workers.