In 2004, Dr. David Watt & Deidre Lake were contracted by the Alberta International Medical Graduate Program at the University of Calgary to observe International Medical Graduates in the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) to develop a language proficiency scale for physician examiners to score professional communication skills and language proficiency. The Government of Alberta funde
d the development of MCAP Classroom and initial pilot. MCAP was one of the projects selected by the University of Calgary for its research and innovation and highlighted in the publication "Research in Action: Building a Great City - Changing the World." In 2009, 70% of MCAP Graduates (346) were in the healthcare system in practice, in residency, or working as a Clinical or Surgical Assistant. MCAP Classroom ran from 2005 to 2011 at the University of Calgary and University of Alberta. MCAP Online was developed as an engaging online modular program for IMDs wishing to increase their medical communication skills for successful integration into a healthcare system that fosters a patient-centred care model. MCAP Online addresses the underlying cultural and language communication issues faced by physicians in the medical setting to provide them with effective communication skills for the workplace. MCAP Online Plus is a blended model and offers the MCAP Online modules, two face-to-face training days to prepare for an OSCE, and a work placement component. Pathways to sustainability are being explored. Communicate2Integrate has worked with Research and Legal Services to continue to offer MCAP initiatives and services. A new pilot program in 2016/2017, MCAP Online Plus for Rural Alberta, has been made possible with funding from the Government of Alberta.
