Affiliations

HPEC provides leadership in the ongoing development of RCSI’s vision for health professions education, including developing, implementing and evolving institute policy, guidance, and recommendations in line with the strategic objectives of the University.

HPEC is positioned as a strategic enabler for RCSI in continuing to evolve the underlying strategy for medical education and online education delivery and continues to play a significant role in empowering faculty in augmenting their ability to seamlessly integrate research to enhance, evolve and transform students learning experience.

Best Evidence Medical Education

RCSI's global reputation for Best Evidence Medical Education is recognised by our active and long-standing membership of Best Evidence Medical Education (BEME). Established in 2014, HPEC hosts Ireland’s only BEME International Collaborative Centre (BICC). This is one of 12 international centres set up to support literature reviews in health professions education, and to ensure that education in the field is evidence-based. RCSI faculty continue to contribute to the development of evidence-informed education in medical and health professions through reviews in the following areas of expertise:

  • Determining the most effective teaching methods that develop reflection in medical students.
  • Providing education continuity and online learning developments for medical students in response to COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Feedback practices by simulated participants.
  • Effectiveness of self-assessment on the identification of learner needs, learner activity and impact on clinical practice.
  • Educational interventions to develop cultural competence in health professionals.

National Forum for the Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

Ireland’s National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education is the national body responsible for leading and advising on the enhancement of teaching and learning in Irish higher education. In partnership with students, staff and leaders in Irish higher education, the National Forum works to develop an inclusive, collaborative and innovative culture that maximises learning impact for the success of all students.

Professor Jan Illing (HPEC Director) and Dr Martina Crehan (HPEC Deputy Director) are the RCSI National Forum Associates. Associates, chosen by their institutions in consultation with the National Forum, provide crucial institutional perspectives which inform strategic developments within and beyond the National Forum. RCSI has actively engaged with, and partnered in, a range of activities of the National Forum, including invited membership of advisory groups, teaching and learning research fellowships, recipients of teaching awards and funded national seminars.

In 2021, HPEC was part of a national sectoral partnership project, 'Next Steps for Teaching and Learning: Moving Forward Together'. The overarching aim of the project was to address the question, in the context of COVID-19, of what this means for the future of teaching and learning in Irish higher education.

Irish Learning Technology Association

The Irish Learning Technology Association (ILTA) is an independent voluntary community of 1,800 professionals committed to the development and exchange of knowledge by sharing expertise and the promotion of best practice in technology-enhanced learning in education. RCSI has forged a relationship with this community of experts through a shared mission of integrating modern approaches and technologies into teaching and learning. Members of the HPEC team and the wider college community have actively engaged with ILTA on a range of activities which include:

  • Active representation on the Board of Executive and Steering Committee.
  • Supporting evidence-based best practice in enhancing learning with technology through national research projects.
  • Supporting the community through collaboration.
  • Representing RCSI and ILTA members nationally and internationally.

Association for the Study of Medical Education

The Association for the Study of Medical Education (ASME) is a membership organisation that draws its members from all areas and specialties of medical education – undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing. ASME holds several conferences and meetings each year, including its flagship Annual Scholarship Meeting. ASME is also home to two regular publications, Medical Education and The Clinical Teacher, as well as two occasional publications, Researching Medical Education and Understanding Medical Education.

Association for Medical Education in Europe

The Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE) is a worldwide organisation with members in 90 countries across five continents. Members include teachers, educators, researchers, administrators, curriculum developers, deans, assessors, students and trainees in medicine and the healthcare professions. AMEE promotes international excellence in education in the healthcare professions across the continuum of undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing education.

Irish Network of Healthcare Educators

The Irish Network of Healthcare Educators (INHED) aims to enhance health professions education on the island of Ireland by bringing together individuals and organisations with an interest in, and responsibilities for, healthcare education. The organisation began as a collaboration between seven Irish undergraduate medical schools, and has since developed into an integrative educational organisation for all health professional disciplines in Ireland. INHED is dedicated to improving the quality of health professions education on the island of Ireland through the promotion of faculty development and excellence in teaching and research.

If you have any queries regarding our affiliations, please email hpec@rcsi.ie.