Orthopedic & Muscular System: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

Development of a Workshop on “Optimizing Learning in Orthopaedic Surgery”

Veronica M R Wadey, William Kraemer and Douglas Archibald

Objective: The objective of this study was to conduct needs assessment, develop and evaluate a workshop template pertaining to the “optimizing learning during orthopaedic residency training”.

Methods: A needs assessment with a composite group of residents was completed. Based on the needs assessment specific objectives to be completed by the end of an interactive workshop were identified. Worksheets from each group session were collected from the participants to create a summary of discussion sessions. We used thematic analysis to analyze the discussion session. A standard evaluation tool was used to evaluate the workshop.

Setting: The largest accredited academic institution for orthopaedic surgery within North America.

Participants: All PGY1 through to PGY4 residents were invited to participate in the workshop and its evaluation. A total of 44 residents participated in the workshop discussions and 39 residents evaluated the workshop.

Results: A workshop was developed based on the needs assessment. Schedule was outlined consisting of small group discussions followed by a plenary session after each main domain. Summary of discussion sessions was the main deliverable from this interactive orthopaedic resident workshop. Three main themes emerged from the summary of discussion sessions to be of critical importance to optimize learning during orthopaedic residency: 1) residents’ interaction with other residents and health care providers, 2) resources available to residents clinically and academically and, 3) time management including clinical, academic and life management skills.

Conclusions: The summary of discussion sessions is an important document that may assist residents, even those who did not attend the workshop, to optimize learning during orthopaedic residency. Future studies need to evaluate the impact of the workshop on “optimizing learning during an orthopaedic residency training”.