G174(P) ‘kidney school’ and the 21st century armchair classroom – a model for peer supported learning using teleconferencing technology

Aim Paediatric specialist training is managed through a national GRID system with individual trainees often isolated from their peers. Collective formal teaching occurs infrequently due to the constraints of time and geographical distances. In Nephrology, a survey of thirteen GRID trainees showed that 60% desired more education sessions. Telehealth is a rapidly growing branch of medicine used to link patients with medical specialists worldwide to negate vast distances. ‘Kidney School’ harnesses this technology to facilitate trainee collaboration and learning. We demonstrate how the flexible ‘Kidney School’ model of small group peer led learning could be extrapolated for paediatric teaching within any subspecialty and across geographical regions. Methods ‘Kidney School’ is an interactive and easily translatable method of small group peer led education established by UK paediatric nephrology trainees in March 2017. We designed and co-ordinated a monthly, trainee run, interactive education session using the multi-media video conferencing facility Zoom. This allows trainees to be exposed to varied case-loads depending on different local patient populations and allows trainees to share expertise on the spectrum of patients seen across the UK, helping to fulfil RCPCH curriculum requirements. Sessions are 40 min: a case presentation followed by evidence based discussion amongst the group. Files are shared using a sharing platform, allowing trainees to access material even if unable to attend a session. Anonymous feedback is completed after each session. Results On average, approximately 50% of trainees from all four regions of the United Kingdom attended each session. The majority of trainees attended from home, but up to one third were at work or in transit. Of note, three trainees on maternity leave were able to participate. This highlights the flexibility of this learning platform. 100% of trainees found ‘Kidney school’ beneficial to learning and fulfilling their post graduate learning requirements. SPIN nephrology trainees also joined a session and plan to establish ‘SPIN Kidney School’. Conclusion ‘Kidney School’ is a successful model of small group peer supported learning using a teleconference platform. This model is currently being utilised by Nephrology trainees but would be applicable to all national GRID and SPIN training programmes within paediatrics.