The Rise of Virtual Observership in Healthcare: The Benefits and Opportunities

• What is an Observership?

• The Evolution of Clinical Observership

• Clinical Observerships, Externships, Shadowing, and Many Such Terms

• Benefits of Clinical Observerships for Medical Professionals

• Leveraging Technology in Observerships in Healthcare

• The Anastomos Way of Fostering Observership in Healthcare

What is an Observership?

Observation is the compass that guides curiosity.

Rightly so, observership meaning a formal arrangement where a person is allowed to carefully watch and learn from activities, procedures, and interactions without actively partaking in any. Clinical observership is the most common type, where a medical student, resident, or healthcare worker is permitted to watch the operations and processes of a particular department or medical setting.

Medical observation can play a pivotal role in learning about workplace dynamics, getting acquainted with the strategies and culture of medical facilities, honing observational skills, and gaining experience. Join us as we uncover the mysteries of this novel approach to learning.

The Evolution of Clinical Observership

The concept of clinical observership roots from the mentoring tradition within the healthcare profession. The idea of a medical apprenticeship and learning through observation has been integral to training in all aspects of healthcare.

Medical education experienced significant updates in the mid-twentieth century, with an increasing emphasis on clinical exposure as a vital part of training future physicians. During this time, the idea of medical students and graduates observing clinical practice as part of their education gained hold.

With globalization and international collaborations, the concept of observerships evolved to include visits to other countries to understand their clinical workflow. Clinical observerships are in high demand today due to changes in license standards and the competitive nature of healthcare careers. Observations conducted virtually or through teleconferencing have grown in popularity as a means of gaining clinical exposure.

Clinical Observerships, Externships, Shadowing, and Many Such Terms

Apart from regular internships, residency programs, and fellowships, healthcare today offers three methods of gaining experience. They include externships, clinical observership, and shadowing. Let us understand the difference between each entity:

• Externship

Externships in healthcare are similar to an internship program but in a different medical setting. That is an extern assists and obtains hands-on training in a medical school other than the one from which he graduated. Externs, unlike interns, are not permitted to participate in any administrative or regulatory functions of the institution in which they are enrolled.  

• Clinical Shadowing

In contrast to medical observation, shadowing a physician is similar to an observership, with the significant difference that shadowing is not formally recognized.

Shadowing involves following a physician in his day-to-day activities. It emphasizes watching everything from a distance. It is less likely to include a letter of recommendation or formal certification. It is aimed at gaining insights into medical practices but lacks the formal structure of an observership program.

Benefits of Clinical Observerships for Medical Professionals

Observership meaning learning; there is no doubt about that. Observerships can be a game-changer for those in healthcare:

• Witness all the nitty gritty of your profession before boarding the train!

Watch your mentors communicate with patients, analyze reports and scans, prepare differential diagnoses, perform ground-breaking procedures, and handle administrative activities. Observerships often add meaning to a mentorship program. The eyes see what the mind knows—when you already know, when you have seen what needs to be done, the real job becomes easier.

• Get accustomed to the practice culture

Gain firsthand experience of the medical culture in a specific state or country.

• Understanding Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Systems: Participants gain in-depth knowledge of electronic medical record systems by observing administrative functions.

• Patient Care Planning: Delve into the intricacies of patient care planning and learn the process of creating tailored care plans for diverse medical cases.

• Comprehensive Performance Review: Participants undergo a thorough performance review that contributes to their overall professional development.

• Cultural Engagement and Language Proficiency: Participants are urged to participate in local social groups for a broader cultural experience. They are also exposed to the local conversational language and dialects to enhance proficiency in the local language.

• Refining Note-Taking Skills: The program focuses on refining participants' note-taking skills for their future medical endeavors.

Leveraging Technology in Virtual Observerships in Healthcare

Globalization, technology, and the emphasis on remote learning have catapulted clinical observership in many ways.

• Virtual Observerships:

Options like video conferencing and virtual platforms for remote observation can overcome geographical barriers, offering global access to diverse medical practices.

• Simulation Technologies:

Physical or virtual simulation offers realistic clinical scenarios for practicing decision-making and clinical skills. This ensures a safe learning environment for real-life medical situations.

• Tele-learning:

Allows for remote consultations and case reviews with healthcare professionals. Participants will be exposed to virtual patient interactions and telehealth technologies.

• Mobile Applications and Learning Platforms:

Educational content and assessments are delivered via mobile apps and online platforms. Increases the flexibility and accessibility of the observership program.

• Data Analytics and Research Tools:

Aids in the access and analysis of healthcare data for research purposes. Improves understanding of evidence-based practices and healthcare decision-making.

• Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR):

Creates immersive learning experiences for virtual exploration of medical scenarios. Realistic simulations increase engagement and understanding.

Incorporating technology into healthcare observerships broadens educational opportunities by educating participants on the changing landscape of modern medicine while also increasing their abilities for future medical jobs.

The Anastomos Way of Fostering Observership in Healthcare

Anastomos, as an online platform suited to every aspect of learning, working, and growing in the healthcare industry, offers a plethora of opportunities. We provide an all-inclusive solution tailored to your needs, with a bank full of educational resources and options to connect with seasoned mentors, clinical and non-clinical programs, and the most recent updates on conferences, seminars, and webinars worldwide. Sign up and create your profile to learn more. Write to us at [email protected] or call us at 9972541134.