I wanted to go to the "4x6" session as much to see what the format was all about -- which was four eight-minute (I think they were supposed to be six from the name) presentations, followed by discussion and Q&A -- as for the topic. Though the topic was interdisciplinary education, one of the dominant themes of the day and one I'm really interested in. Anyway, I loved the concept, and it came off really well (it helps that all of the presenters were really good, even if some struggled a bit to make it under that eight-minute wire). But in the end, it really wasn't much different from most panel discussions -- why they're called discussions, I don't know, since most end up being discrete mini presentations just like at this session. I'm not complaining, though. Lots of good information came out of it.
First up was Bob Meinzer, New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians, who quickly went over two case studies that included patients in the interdisciplinary mix. It's important to address their gaps, he said, because the communication between healthcare providers and patients is central to being able to provide a patient-centered medical home.
Next was Karen Thomas, CCMEP, and Scott Kober, CCMEP, both with the Institute for Continuing Healthcare Education. One of their main messages was that interdisciplinary education must truly address the daily challenges in each learner type's job.
Sandra Pinkerton, PhD, with Texas Health Research & Education Institute, outlined a case where nurses played a key role in helping to improve physicians' venous thromboembolism-related performance through a non-educational strategy. Very cool.
Last but not least was Brian Tyburski, Center of Excellence Media, who provided a interdisciplinary case that ended up with the vast majority (high 90 percent) saying that they afterward felt more confident interacting with other team members, and were more aware of the roles of other healthcare providers on their teams.
The Q&A was really lively, and the panelists were swarmed afterward with people wanting to learn more about the cases presented. It wasn't exactly Pechakucha, but it was a good break from the usual lecture/PowerPoint. And the content was excellent.
