Improving Undergraduate Orthopedic Surgery Skills and Knowledge in a One Day Course

Abstract

Introduction: Despite the increasing numbers of musculoskeletal presentations across all medical specialties, very little time is dedicated to trauma and orthopedic teaching within the medical undergraduate curriculum. To evaluate the effectiveness of a one day course in improving orthopedic skills, knowledge and career interest, St Georges Hospital Orthopedic Department hosted a national orthopedic course for undergraduate medical students. Methods: Delegates were invited to attend from all UK medical schools. The day consisted of consultant-led specialty lectures followed by three rotating workshops: plating and nailing, arthroscopy and plastering. Delegates completed two identical questionnaires, one before and another after completion of the course. Three core areas were addressed in this questionnaire: (1) surgical skills, (2) orthopedic training pathway knowledge and (3) undergraduate surgical skills teaching, with responses recorded on a Likert scale. Results: Forty-two students attended from 13 different UK medical schools. Of these, 41 completed the questionnaire (98% response rate). Paired analysis of the delegates’ responses showed significant improvements in ability across all surgical skill workshops (p < 0.0001). Significant improvements were also seen in orthopedic training pathway knowledge. In terms of surgical skills teaching, 87% of delegates felt that such courses should be integral to undergraduate education and a further 92% believed that their medical schools do not currently provide enough time for surgical skills teaching. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a one day undergraduate orthopedic course in delivering high quality orthopedic skills teaching and career advice to medical students.