 |
 |
|
||||||
What is the Online Orientation Program?OverviewThe Online Orientation Program (OOP) has been developed by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), with funding provided by the Federal Government's Department of Health and Ageing (DHA). The program provides resources to help overseas trained obstetricians and gynaecologists (O&Gs) integrate into the Australian medical workforce. More specifically, the aim is to assist overseas trained O&Gs in developing a strong understanding of the core values and generally accepted practices in O&G that are taken for granted by medical practitioners who have been raised and trained in Australia . The program also provides detailed understanding of the attitudes of various community groups to commonly encountered issues. It does not specifically cover clinical matters — the focus is, instead, on cultural competency. The OOP is delivered entirely online, is modular in nature and allows individuals a flexible and self-paced learning experience. ContentThere are 9 modules, covering the following topics:
Program content reflects research into common areas of difficulty encountered by overseas trained O&Gs — the list of topics, the content of the modules, and the emphasis placed on sections of that content, reflect the input of interested parties, including overseas trained specialists (OTSs) who are working towards, or have gained, Fellowship of the RANZCOG. How are OOP Modules Structured?Key featuresThe OOP operates along similar lines to the RANZCOG’s very successful Flexible Learning Program (FLP). Thus, its modules share with the FLP the following features:
Resource-focused structureThe principal idea behind the format of OOP modules is that references are made to readily available resources, rather than having the actual resources included within the document. The types of resources vary from modules to module, but usually include journal articles, College publications (policies, statements, etc.), websites and web-based publications. Most recommended resources are thus easily accessible via hyperlinks built into the topic document — books are only occasionally recommended. An OOP module is, however, more than a list of resources. There is logic to the sequence in which the resources are presented and there is brief commentary surrounding the references in order to serve as a guide to their use. The commentary ties everything into a coherent whole. The OOP as a study guideThe OOP is designed as an aid to learning. Users will not be assessed on completion of each individual module. Instead, it is expected that users will exercise sufficient responsibility, self motivation and initiative to plan and carry out a suitable study program that utilises the OOP as an important component in their preparations for acquiring Fellowship and a subsequent career in obstetrics and gynaecology. How do I Access OOP Modules?RegistrationIn order to download OOP modules, you will need to register . Registration is free. Once registered, you will be issued with a username and a password. You will need your username and password every time you wish to log onto the download page of the website. If you have not already registered, please click here to do so. Software RequirementsAll OOP modules are supplied as PDF files. To view these files, you will need Adobe Reader software. In fact, you probably already have this installed on your computer. Try downloading an OOP module — if it all works beautifully, you've got the software. If not, download a free copy of Adobe Reader . Downloading OOP ModulesClicking on a link to an OOP module causes a PDF file to be downloaded. This results in one of two things happening, depending on how your browser is configured to work with Adobe Reader: Either Acrobat Reader is launched straight away, within your web browser. You see the file open immediately. (To save a copy to your hard drive, click the disc icon on the Adobe Reader toolbar.) Or The PDF file is immediately downloaded and saved directly on your hard drive. It is not viewed from within your web browser - it must be opened as any other document would be opened. Both methods of accessing PDF files are perfectly satisfactory. Saving OOP ModulesIt is advisable to save a copy of each downloaded OOP module to your hard drive. This will make the document more readily accessible — you won't have to log on and download it every time you need to use it. How should one use the OOP Modules?Download the Users' GuideIf you wish to make the best use of the OOP, it is advisable that you download and read the Users' Guide to the OOP, a delightfully short and beautifully written document. Feedback and QuestionsThe OOP is designed to be continually improved. Feedback on all aspects of the program, particularly recommendations on suitable resources, is therefore very much encouraged. Questions that users may have are also welcome. Please contact: Mr Liam Davison
|
|
