Promoting the Conduct of Medical Education Journal Clubs in Teaching Medical Institutions

Abstract

Background A critical appraisal of a research article as a part of journal club sessions is an essential aspect of postgraduate training across different medical institutions in varied settings. The purpose of the current review was to explore the merits of medical education journal clubs and identify the potential factors that need to be considered for conducting these journal clubs in medical institutions. Methods An extensive search of all materials related to the topic was performed in the PubMed search engine and a total of 51 studies were included in the review based on the suitability with the current review objectives. Keywords used in the search include medical education journal clubs in the title only (viz., journal club [ti] AND medical education [ti]; medical education journal clubs [ti]; journal club [ti]). The articles published in English language only were included in the review. Results Regardless of the extensive employment of the journal clubs in different medical specialties, it is quite alarming to note that not many institutions conduct journal clubs targeting the field of medical education. These sessions offer a unique opportunity to the participants to assess the literature in a supportive fashion and play a defining role in ensuring better quality health care teachings to the medical students. However, we must understand that the successful conduct of medical education journal clubs requires specific considerations and groundwork, so that the students may benefit. Conclusion In conclusion, the medical education journal clubs have not been frequently conducted, as more preference has been given to the subject-specialty journal clubs. However, considering the scope and benefits that journal clubs add to improve teaching, all medical institutions should advocate to conduct medical education journal clubs within their premises in a structured manner.

Clinical Practicum Assessment for Biomedical Science Program from Graduates’ Perspective

“…This necessitates the introduction of mandatory academic coursework. Additionally, it is important to encourage students to participate in journal-club discussions and to place more emphasis on communication skills [31]. The future reorganization of the clinical practice course with a longer training period may be necessary as a result of this additional coursework [32].…”

Disseminating Evidence in Medical Education: Journal Club as a Virtual Community of Practice

“…Although journal clubs have been used in varying formats as a means of faculty development by regularly reviewing the academic literature in the clinical domain, the medical education literature may be underutilized as a tool to enhance educator development. While smaller institutional journal clubs have been described, [2][3][4] including synchronous online delivery, 5 their use by larger professional organizations has not been reported. Such organizations may conduct discussions of medical education evidence primarily at annual meetings.…”

Assessing Medical Students’ Perception of Implementing Journal Club Activities: A Qualitative Study

“…By presenting and discussing journal articles in a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment, students learn to critically evaluate research methodology, statistical analysis, and the validity of study results. This skill is essential for providing highquality patient care as it enables students to make informed decisions based on the best available evidence [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Journal clubs are currently one of the most known ways to introduce students to evidence-based medicine, which is defined as "conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of the current evidence in making the best decisions about the care of individual patients" [7,8].…”

“…These skills are fundamental not only for generating new knowledge but also for identifying gaps in existing research and contributing to ongoing scientific discourse. Encouraging students to actively engage in journal clubs helps cultivate an analytical mindset that translates into more effective and innovative clinical practice [1][2][3][4][5][6].…”

“…In a rapidly evolving field like medicine, it is important for medical professionals to stay abreast of new discoveries, changes in guidelines, and emerging technologies. Journal clubs instill in students the importance of seeking out and critically evaluating new information throughout their medical careers [ 1 , 3 ].…”