Steps to the Reopening of an Interdisciplinary Journal Club—Austrian Experiences

Abstract

Journal Clubs are one of the methods for continuing professional development in defined working units and have proved to be an effective teaching tool. A Journal Club introduced in 2011 for the University of Applied Sciences for Health Professions Upper Austria had limited success and was discontinued after 18 months. Searching for improvements, an online survey addressing the needs and expectations of the university staff was conducted. Results showed that the majority of the respondents (98%) are interested in attending a JC in the future. The new JC should take place between 3 and 5 pm. The main reasons for not participating in the former JC were other professional obligations and no time for preparation. Critical evaluation of studies should be the main target for further capacity building realised in the future. It is planned to reopen the JC with the knowledge gained.