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. 2022 Oct;38(10):1385-1390.
doi: 10.1007/s00383-022-05156-5. Epub 2022 Jul 9.

Virtual curriculum delivery in the COVID-19 era: the pediatric surgery boot camp v2.0

Robert Baird  1 , Pramod Puligandla  2 , Steven Lopushinsky  3 , Christopher Blackmore  4 , Sanjay Krishnaswami  5 , Benedict Nwomeh  6 , Cynthia Downard  7 , Todd Ponsky  8 , Muhammad O Ghani  9 , Harold N Lovvorn 3rd  9
Affiliations

Virtual curriculum delivery in the COVID-19 era: the pediatric surgery boot camp v2.0

Robert Baird et al. Pediatr Surg Int. 2022 Oct.

Abstract

Purpose: We evaluated the impact of a virtual Pediatric Surgery Bootcamp curriculum on resource utilization, learner engagement, knowledge retention, and stakeholder satisfaction.

Methods: A virtual curriculum was developed around Pediatric Surgery Milestones. GlobalCastMD delivered pre-recorded and live content over a single 10-h day with a concluding social hour. Metrics of learner engagement, faculty interaction, knowledge retention, and satisfaction were collected and analyzed during and after the course.

Results: Of 56 PS residencies, 31 registered (55.4%; 8/8 Canadian and 23/48 US; p = 0.006), including 42 learners overall. The virtual BC budget was $15,500 (USD), 54% of the anticipated in-person course. Pre- and post-tests were administered, revealing significant knowledge improvement (48.6% [286/589] vs 66.9% [89/133] p < 0.0002). Learner surveys (n = 14) suggested the virtual BC facilitated fellowship transition (85%) and strengthened peer-group camaraderie (69%), but in-person events were still favored (77%). Program Directors (PD) were surveyed, and respondents (n = 22) also favored in-person events (61%). PDs not registering their learners (n = 7) perceived insufficient value-added and concern for excessive participants.

Conclusions: The virtual bootcamp format reduced overall expenses, interfered less with schedules, achieved more inclusive reach, and facilitated content archiving. Despite these advantages, learners and program directors still favored in-person education.

Level of evidence: III.

Keywords: Boot camp; COVID-19; Pediatric surgery; Virtual curriculum.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors acknowledge the potential conflict of interest that Todd Ponsky has as Founder and CEO of GlobalCastMD. Nevertheless, Dr. Ponsky was not remunerated from this company, which also did not financially support any of the research. GlobalCastMD simply hosted the event and provided follow up data on participants.

The authors acknowledge the potential conflict of interest that Todd Ponsky has as Founder and CEO of GlobalCastMD. Nevertheless, Dr. Ponsky was not remunerated from this company, which also did not financially support any of the research. GlobalCastMD simply hosted the event and provided follow-up data on participants.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Select Boot Camp participant survey reponses (n = 14)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Select Program Director survey responses (n = 22)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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