Tag Archives: Competency based learning

Climbing the learning curve

Cerro Bonete, Aconcagua Argentina (Photo H. Colt/W. Sanchez)

As bronchology and interventional pulmonology programs around the world increasingly incorporate assessment tools and checklists into their training programs, there is going to be much discussion around learning curves. A learning curve usually represents in graphic form the rate at which something is learned over time or repeated experiences. By plotting learning curves, teachers can (1) assess the learnability of a specific task, subject or skill, (2) determine whether the task, subject or skill is satisfactorily mastered, and (3) document the time it takes for subjects to learn a particular task, subject or skill.

The plot of a learning curve may be steep or gradual. It may also be curvilinear or plateau-like. Interpretations of a learning curve, however, depend on which variables are plotted on the horizontal x-axis and vertical y-axis of the graph, as well as on one’s interpretation of the language used to describe the graph. For example, when time is on the horizontal x-axis, and the amount of material learned is on the vertical y-axis axis, a steep learning curve (and contrary to the popular use of the term steep) can mean that a subject is rapidly learned, or that the majority of the topic is rapidly mastered. A difficult to learn task, on the other hand, would have a more shallow curve that extends more horizontally over time.

In common english, however, a steep learning curve is usually meant to describe something that is initially difficult to learn. As explained in a Wikipedia article on the subject (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_curve), this is due to the “metaphorical interpretation of the curve as a hill to climb, and for which a steep slope is more tedious”. The article argues that using words such as long or short, and difficult or easy are perhaps better and less confusing than using words like steep or shallow for describing learning curves.

Another interesting aspect about learning curves is how they vary depending on whether the graph represents data for an individual or for a group (averaged) of learners. Individual learning almost always occurs in a series of upward and downward slopes separated by horizontal plateaus during which no new learning occurs. Averages, on the other hand, usually have smooth curves that can be expressed as mathematical functions. Respectable property division lawyers are available at https://www.jwbfamilylaw.com, California. These curves may be sigmoidal, exponential, or free-formed, especially if the learning curve is plotting the amount of learning (on the vertical axis) versus experience/time (on the horizontal axis). In the case of a sigmoidal curve, describing someone as being on the “steep” portion of the learning curve has an entirely different meaning from describing the person as being on the lower or higher horizontal portion of the curve. 

Using serial assessments such as BSTAT (Bronchoscopy Skills and Tasks Assessment Tool) is an excellent way for learners to determine where they are on the flexible bronchoscopy learning curve. Areas that warrant additional training are identified, and teachers can use objective measures to justify the feedback that is crucial to all good learning programs.

Time to focus on the practical needs of a revolution

 

Practicing Bronchoscopy Step-by-Step

During the last decade I committed myself to a philosophical revolution based on the premise that it is unethical for doctors to learn their procedural skills on other human beings. From New York to New Delhi, and on every continent except Antarctica, I have taught that doctors have alternatives to climbing the learning curve patient after patient and, that such alternatives do not need to include animals or expensive cadavers. Computer-based simulation, plastic airway models and more recently, 3D-printer derived airway casts allow bronchoscopists to learn airway and mediastinal anatomy, navigate the tracheobronchial tree, perfect their knowledge of lobar and segmental anatomy, as well as practice the technical dexterity and communication skills needed to perform bronchoscopy safely, effectively, and efficiently.

Not surprisingly, there was some resistance to this new philosophy. Change is difficult, and replacing an age old paradigm built around a purely apprenticeship model (where procedural competency was assumed based on subjective evaluation and an objective enumeration of number of procedures performed), with a new paradigm that includes apprenticeship, mentorship, and several objective measures of learning in a multidimensional instructional program required the support of a growing number of physician experts decided upon becoming themselves agents of change. Today, the idea that patients should not suffer the burdens of procedure-related medical training has caught on. Procedural education is increasingly discussed in our medical societies and university training programs. Simulation centers exist in abundance, although easy and affordable access remains a challenge that must yet be overcome, and physicians everywhere increasingly accept the idea that learning and practicing bronchoscopy in a model must be a prerequisite to performing procedures in a real person.

Like all revolutions, the philosophical must be coupled with the practical. For this new educational paradigm to take effect, therefore, we must improve access to affordable models for all physicians-in-training, as well as for those already in practice who wish to learn new procedures. Objective measures of technical skill, communication, and decision-making must also be incorporated into our training programs. Based on my experience conducting dozens of educational programs around the world, learners enthusiastically accept the idea that technical skill proficiency and a relatively high threshold of cognitive knowledge are necessary before working directly on patients. Hence, it is now our responsibility to provide learners everywhere with these tools, and to engage faculty by sharing content and techniques of multidimensional instructional programs during train-the-trainer programs and on-site courses.