Providing a liminal space: Threshold concepts for learning in palliative medicine.

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Title: Providing a liminal space: Threshold concepts for learning in palliative medicine.
Authors: O'Callaghan, Anne1,2 a.ocallaghan@auckland.ac.nz, Wearn, Andy1, Barrow, Mark3
Source: Medical Teacher. Apr2020, Vol. 42 Issue 4, p422-428. 7p.
Subject Terms: *Education of physicians, *Content analysis, *Curriculum planning, *Focus groups, *Learning strategies, *Research methodology, *Medical education, *Research, *Qualitative research, Interviewing, Palliative treatment
Abstract: Introduction: Experience in palliative medicine provides a beneficial learning opportunity for doctors-in-training. There is, however, a gap in understanding which aspects of learning are most useful, which are problematic and how learning can best be facilitated. This study addresses that gap using the 'threshold concepts' framework. Threshold concepts are critical points of learning, often unique to a discipline. The learning occurs within a transitional or 'liminal' space and has specific characteristics including being 'troublesome' and 'transformative.' Methods: A qualitative, exploratory study was carried using the threshold concept framework. Semi-structured focus group interviews were held with doctors-in-training who had undertaken a 6-month palliative medicine attachment. Data were analysed using a content analysis approach with deductive and inductive phases, in order to identify threshold concepts. Results: Five threshold concepts were identified. Two of these, 'emotional engagement' and 'communication management,' displayed all the typical characteristics of threshold concepts. This learning was highly valued by participants, had not occurred elsewhere in training and continued to influence practice. Conclusions: Specific threshold concepts were identified for doctors undertaking a palliative medicine placement. These highlights where specific supports are required for learning and can be used to inform curriculum design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Medical Teacher is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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  Data: Providing a liminal space: Threshold concepts for learning in palliative medicine.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22Medical+Teacher%22">Medical Teacher</searchLink>. Apr2020, Vol. 42 Issue 4, p422-428. 7p.
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  Data: *<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Education+of+physicians%22">Education of physicians</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Content+analysis%22">Content analysis</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Curriculum+planning%22">Curriculum planning</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Focus+groups%22">Focus groups</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Learning+strategies%22">Learning strategies</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Research+methodology%22">Research methodology</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Medical+education%22">Medical education</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Research%22">Research</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Qualitative+research%22">Qualitative research</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Interviewing%22">Interviewing</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Palliative+treatment%22">Palliative treatment</searchLink>
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  Data: Introduction: Experience in palliative medicine provides a beneficial learning opportunity for doctors-in-training. There is, however, a gap in understanding which aspects of learning are most useful, which are problematic and how learning can best be facilitated. This study addresses that gap using the 'threshold concepts' framework. Threshold concepts are critical points of learning, often unique to a discipline. The learning occurs within a transitional or 'liminal' space and has specific characteristics including being 'troublesome' and 'transformative.' Methods: A qualitative, exploratory study was carried using the threshold concept framework. Semi-structured focus group interviews were held with doctors-in-training who had undertaken a 6-month palliative medicine attachment. Data were analysed using a content analysis approach with deductive and inductive phases, in order to identify threshold concepts. Results: Five threshold concepts were identified. Two of these, 'emotional engagement' and 'communication management,' displayed all the typical characteristics of threshold concepts. This learning was highly valued by participants, had not occurred elsewhere in training and continued to influence practice. Conclusions: Specific threshold concepts were identified for doctors undertaking a palliative medicine placement. These highlights where specific supports are required for learning and can be used to inform curriculum design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Data: <i>Copyright of Medical Teacher is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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        Value: 10.1080/0142159X.2019.1687868
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      – TitleFull: Providing a liminal space: Threshold concepts for learning in palliative medicine.
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              Text: Apr2020
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