Recommendations for podcast designers when creating podcasts for the 99 family medicine topics
| CATEGORY | RECOMMENDATION |
|---|---|
| Timing | Release the podcast several months before the examination, possibly in line with a proposed study plan |
| Duration | Try to keep the duration of podcast episodes to 15 min (which is considered the “sweet spot” duration for podcast episodes) |
| Presentation | Present podcasts in a “smooth-flowing” manner and provide up-to-date and relevant content (including guidelines) in either a casual or a formal style |
| Hosts | Include presenters who are easy to understand (fluent in English or French and articulate); presenters should be concise and engaging (should not be monotonous or have high-pitched voices), and abstain from unnecessary dialogue |
| Technical design | Ensure the sound pattern is consistent between episodes and matches the host’s presenting style; optimize sound recording, paying particular attention to consistent volumes, absence of background noise, and appropriate preamplification volume settings |
| Content design | Use a case-based approach with a concise summary of current guidelines pertinent to the key features of the 99 topics |
| Study notes | Provide study notes alongside the episodes and links to other resources (such as guidelines), if applicable |
| Preferred topics | Address the most challenging topics first, such as chronic diseases (eg, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pain management, dyslipidemia, and congestive heart failure), dementia, abdominal pain, and skin disorders |
| Language | Produce the podcast in both English and French |
| Technology ideas | Link the podcast to an app that contains relevant questions and video links |
| Other | Provide general examination tips and tricks. Seek endorsement from the College of Family Physicians of Canada |