A community of practice to address system-based issues and promote clinical leadership among trainee medical officers in a large public health service: an evaluation of a trainee-led forum

Samuel M. Koopowitz, Matthew Arnold, Joshua M. Inglis, Kay Hon, Andrew Vanlint, Leslie F. Koopowitz, Gerry O'Callaghan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Clinical leadership is necessary to improve the performance of large public hospitals. Trainee medical officers (TMOs) are important stakeholders in organisation-wide initiatives that affect the medical workforce and support clinician engagement. This case study describes the development of a representative body known as the 'TMO Forum' within the Central Adelaide Local Health Network as a mechanism to promote engagement between medical trainees and the hospital executive to facilitate escalation and discussion of system-based issues. Over the past 8 years, this group has evolved into a community of practice with steady and sustained growth since inception. Trainees have fostered relationships with the executive, and have engaged in leadership and quality improvement initiatives. Here we explore the evolution, value and barriers to success of the TMO Forum. Our discussion is supplemented with findings from anonymous online evaluation surveys of both the TMO and executive stakeholder groups. We propose that initiatives such as the described may offer reciprocal benefits to both constituent groups regarding communication, and that the development of a dedicated community of practice will enhance engagement of TMOs in health service improvement initiatives and advocacy. However, there are obstacles to overcome in order to attract a greater number of trainees and maximise the benefits from this initiative.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)667-670
Number of pages4
JournalAustralian Health Review
Volume47
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Oct 2023

Keywords

  • clinical governance
  • clinical leadership
  • community of practice
  • health services management
  • medical workforce
  • patient care
  • professional development
  • quality improvement
  • service delivery
  • trainee medical officers

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