Education Innovation

  

 

 

Highlights of CME Research

  • HIV PEP prescribing for high-risk exposures increased significantly from 61% pre-CME to 82% post-CME - HIV PEP Project/CoM Deans Project
  • Virtual consultation simulation improved new practice IMGs’ communication skills and confidence, with high reported engagement, relevance, and clinical decision-making value - SIPPA Program

CME Programming/Projects Engaged in this Research

Webinar Series

This evaluation examines healthcare professionals’ engagement with online educational games integrated into a continuing medical education (CME) webinar series, assessing how gamification may extend and reinforce learning beyond the webinar format. Using registration, attendance, and game participation data, the project explores interactivity, time spent on learning activities, and overall patterns of engagement. A qualitative component further investigates participants’ experiences, perceptions, and the perceived educational value of the gamified environment. Findings will inform how online gamification can be effectively incorporated into CME to enhance learner engagement and support educational outcomes.

STBBI Treatment Education Program for Saskatchewan (STEPS)

Purpose of reserach: To evaluate the effectiveness of an HIV PEP CME pilot project created to increase patient access to HIV prevention treatment by educating physicians working in emergency departments in Saskatoon how to prescribe HIV PEP.

Reserach Methods: A retrospective pre-post chart review evaluated the impact of a HIV PEP CME intervention for Emergency Department (ED) and Sexual Assault Response Team physicians on PEP prescribing in Saskatoon EDs. 625 charts met inclusion criteria: patients ≥16 years presenting after sexual assault or blood/body fluid exposure.

Key Insights and findings: PEP prescribing for high-risk exposures increased from 61% pre-CME to 82% post-CME (p = 0.0126). In sexual assault cases, PEP prescribing increased from 38% to 73% (p=0.0054), and acknowledgement of PEP increased 57% to 90% (p=0.0015). The number of unique HIV PEP prescribers increased from 7 to 30. Targeted CME enables appropriate PEP prescribing, reducing reliance on specialist prescribers.

How findings will be used: Based on the success of the HIV PEP CME pilot project a provincial HIV PEP CME education group was created. An HIV PEP CME online course was developed, alongside an Blood and Body Fuild Exposure (BBFE) practitioner orderset and an HIV PEP clinical desicion making tool.

Purpose of Research: To evaluate the uptake and reach of HIV PEP continuing medical education and clinical resources developed by the Saskatchwan HIV PEP Education Group. 

Reserach Methods: An interdisciplinary team developed HIV PEP resources, including a CME course, webinar, BBFE order set, and Firstline app content. Engagement was measured through participation, app usage, and quiz results.

Key Insights and Findings: The educational and clinical resources showed strong uptake among Saskatchewan health care providers, particularly front-line clinicians working in emergency and urgent care settings. The Firstline HIV PEP content was accessed 377 times, 145 learners enrolled in the online course, and participants represented 29 communities across the province. High engagement in the webinar and a 100% pass rate on the post-course quiz demonstrated strong comprehension of essential HIV PEP concepts and increased provider confidence in prescribing HIV PEP. 

How Findings Will be Used: The findings will support continued expansion of HIV PEP access in Saskatchewan. They may also guide future education and resource development initiatives.

The Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment (SIPPA)

Category: Program Evaluation

Study: SIPPA developed a virtual consultation simulation to help internationally trained physicians strengthen referral and consultation skills as they transition into rural practice.

Focus: The three-hour interactive simulation allows participants to practice telephone consultations with specialists and manage challenging consultation scenarios using real clinical cases.

Impact: Participant feedback highlighted the value of hands-on practice, mentorship, and structured feedback in improving communication and decision-making during specialist consultations.

Presentations

  • Virtual Consultation Simulation for New to Practice IMGs: An Education Innovation.
    • 2025 Canadian Association of Nigerian Physicians and Dentists (CANPAD)
  • Virtual Learning with Practical Support: A Comprehensive Approach to Educating and Supporting Primary Care Providers Prescribe ARVs in SK.
    • 2025 Canadian Association of HIV Research (CAHR) Conference 
  • How to Create a Virtual CME Program: Assessing the Impact of HIV CME on Primary Care Clinical Practices in SK.
    • 2025 USask College of Medicine Research Innovation Scholarship and Eductaion (RISE)HIV PEP
  • Beyond Specialist Reliance: Educating and Empowering Front Line Clinicians to Prescribe HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) in Saskatchewan 
    • 2026 Canadian Association of HIV Research (CAHR) Conference  
  • PEP Talk: CME Improves HIV PEP Prescribing in Saskatoon Emergency Departments 
    • 2026 International Congress of Academic Medicine (ICAM) Conference 
  • Gamifying Virtual CME Learning: Enhancing Engagement Through Educational Games.
    • 2025 Research, Innovation and Scholarship in Education (RISE)