In this episode, the podcast covers topics such as routine head-to-pelvis CT scan post-arrest, challenging sexism in healthcare, mistreatment reporting systems, gender equity in emergency medicine, lidocaine patches for elderly patients with rib fractures, barriers to staff well-being, challenges faced by international medical graduates, person-centered care for older people with frailty, using AI in imaging and radiology, and collecting data for the Trauma Inversity Thoracotomy study.
Differential attainment among international medical graduates (IMGs) is influenced by a challenging initial period of settling in the UK that can lead to cognitive overload and hinder optimal performance.
Cultural and language differences faced by IMGs contribute to disparities in achievement and career progression.
Unfamiliarity with the healthcare system and terminology, including the use of acronyms, adds to the cognitive load experienced by IMGs and impacts their performance and progression.
To reduce differential attainment, providing support and resources during the initial settling period, including assistance with housing, childcare, cultural competency training, and mentorship programs, is crucial for supporting IMGs in their professional growth.
Deep dives
Reasons for Differential Attainment Among IMG Trainees
Differential attainment refers to the lower performance and outcomes of international medical graduates (IMGs) compared to UK graduates. The causes of this differential attainment are complex and multifactorial. One factor is the initial challenging period when IMGs arrive in the UK, where they have to navigate through finding basic human needs such as housing, childcare, and schooling while simultaneously adjusting to an unfamiliar healthcare system and language. This overwhelming start can lead to cognitive overload and hinder optimal performance. Additionally, the cultural and language differences faced by IMGs can contribute to disparities in achievement and career progression.
Challenges Faced by IMGs
IMGs often struggle with the initial period of settling in the UK, wherein they may not have secured basic needs, such as housing and banking resources. This can create added stress and hinder their ability to focus on their work. Furthermore, IMGs face the challenge of adapting to a new healthcare system and learning new terminology, which can be overwhelming and lead to cognitive overload. This combination of external challenges and cultural differences can contribute to differential attainment among IMGs.
The Impact of Alien Work Environments
IMGs are frequently required to work in an environment that is unfamiliar to them, and this can impede their performance and progression. The lack of familiarity with the healthcare system, including the use of acronyms and abbreviations, puts IMGs at a disadvantage and adds to the cognitive load they experience. The pressure to navigate these unfamiliar work environments quickly and efficiently without proper acclimatization can contribute to the differential attainment observed among IMGs.
Addressing the Challenges and Supporting IMGs
To address the challenges faced by IMGs and reduce differential attainment, it is important to provide adequate support and resources during their initial period of settling. This includes assistance with securing housing, childcare, and accessing basic services. Additionally, cultural competency training and language support can help IMGs acclimate to the new healthcare system more effectively. Furthermore, mentorship programs and career development opportunities can play a key role in supporting IMGs in their professional growth and bridging the gap in differential attainment.
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This month for the October 2023 episode of the RCEM Learning Podcast we’ve got a New in EM segment looking at the CT FIRST study looking at routine head-to-pelvis CT scan post-arrest. We then move to an RCEM ASC Interview Megamix where I have a chat with ten presenters from this week's RCEM ASC about their work. We then end with New Online. If you'd like to email us, please feel free to do so here.
(02:54) New in EM - Routine post-arrest head-to-pelvis CT scanning
