Virtual Orthopaedic Trainee Education: Lessons Learnt during COVID-19

Description

The text is a transcript of a presentation by Rosie Hackney, an Orthopaedic ST3 trainee from Southeast Scotland, detailing the experiences and adaptations of the orthopaedic training program during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program, known as Virtual Orthopaedic Trainee Education (VOTE), launched in March 2020 in response to a significant decline in face-to-face training due to social distancing measures. Rosie outlines the challenges faced, including a 43% reduction in training opportunities, and emphasizes the program's goals: continuing education, fostering trainee engagement, and ensuring the completion of work-based assessments (WBAs).



VOTE included nine sessions weekly with consultant-led presentations followed by trainee talks, all facilitated through Zoom. A total of over 90 hours of recorded content was generated, which trainees found to be a useful resource. Feedback surveys indicated a high level of satisfaction among trainees, although as time went on, fatigue set in, prompting adjustments to the session frequency. The success of the program hinged on responsive teaching methods, peer-to-peer engagement, and adaptability based on trainee feedback.



Following the return to normal operations, the program's benefits continued with recorded sessions for flexibility in learning, balancing face-to-face interactions with virtual formats. Rosie concludes by sharing insights gained from trainee feedback and emphasizes the importance of maintaining both in-person and virtual learning opportunities for comprehensive education.

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