A team beyond my team: establishing a national online neurodisability and community child health educational programme and network – a personal reflection

Abstract

The experience of establishing a virtual team and developing a national neurodisability and community online learning platform is discussed. The aim of the article is to advocate for the development of shared practice and communities of learning. Lessons learnt within this specialty forum may have broader relevance that could inform approaches to postgraduate teaching and virtual or online education. Regular access to national expert speakers offers trainees autonomy to meet their needs beyond local provision. Mapping objectives to the subspecialty level 3 curricula has been appreciated by both learners and speakers. Ease of speaker participation and the appeal of a national platform have revealed opportunities to provide a broad educational programme that goes beyond traditional topics. Being part of an educational forum stimulates wider discussion and makes engagement more accessible to a range of learning styles. The feedback responses indicate that the programme is valued by the learning community and provide insight into learners’ needs during this time. The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us of the importance of crucial themes underpinning our roles as healthcare professionals: communication, compassion, teamwork, sharing knowledge, responsiveness and professional development. The Neurodisability Community webinar development has been based on an ethos of coproduction using reciprocity and inclusion, recognising that trainees are well placed to address their educational needs. Allyship was essential to promote advocacy and network growth. The webinar programme was launched in Summer 2020, during a time when training was significantly disrupted. The programme was organised by trainees and supported generously by experts in the field.