A national network for the tele-education of Canadian residents in pediatric cardiology

A trial of 11 video-conferenced teaching sessions for residents in pediatri c cardiology was performed by the 7 training programs in Canada in order to share expertise in specialized areas, to expose trainees to educational te lemedicine, and to acquaint residents with other programs and personnel. To pics included cardiac pathology, arrhythmias, magnetic resonance imaging, f etal physiology, pulmonary hypertension, and cardiomyopathy. The sessions w ere evaluated by 93 residents by questionnaire for content and technology. Session content was highly rated. Videoconference picture quality was highl y rated, but sound quality and visual aids were rated as neutral or unsatis factory by a significant minority, related to problems with several early s essions, subsequently corrected. 60% of respondents rated the videoconferen ces as good as live presentations. Presenters were generally satisfied alth ough they required some adjustments to videoconferencing. The average cost per session was $700 Canadian. Videoconferencing of resident educational se ssions was generally well accepted by most presenters and residents, and th e trial has formed the basis for a national network. Adequate organizationa l time, and careful attention to audiovisual needs, are most important. Vid eoconference guidelines are suggested for presenters based on this experien ce.