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Published on: September 29, 2018
Using Mobile Text and Media to Complement Teaching in a Facial Reconstruction Training Module in Haiti
Natalie Justicz1, Joseph R Dusseldorp1, Jennifer C Fuller1
1Department of Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts.
Objectives:
(1) To describe electronic communication between global surgeons and trainees in a low-middle income country (LMIC) and to gauge appeal of the WhatsApp platform (2) To introduce a novel intensive ear reconstruction teaching module for surgical capacity building using simulation in a LMIC.
Design:
Prospective cohort study.
Setting:
University-based medical center in Haiti.
Participants:
Eleven otolaryngology trainees and faculty in Haiti.
Results:
Three months prior to on-site arrival, a WhatsApp Messenger group was created for information-sharing and distribution of teaching materials. A surgical curriculum was created to incorporate didactics, cartilage framework simulation, and live surgery. During the intensive on-site week, WhatsApp was used to distribute materials and to recap learning points from each case, with pre- and postoperative surgical photographs circulated. Postmodule written, oral, and practical testing was conducted on the final day, and a postmodule survey was administered a month later. Post-tests scores were significantly improved from pretests scores. Initial scores on the written, oral, and practical tests averaged 24.6%. Postmodule scores averaged 86.9% (p < 0.001). Participants rated the use of WhatsApp to be highly important to their learning and requested further use of mobile health technology.
Conclusions:
WhatsApp Messenger technology complemented a reconstructive surgery education module in a LMIC. WhatsApp provides opportunities for premodule patient screening, real-time discussion, and postmodule review. Its usage was well-received by Haitian otolaryngology trainees and faculty. Our results suggest that the combination of didactic teaching, simulated surgery, and live surgery resulted in successful transfer of both skills and knowledge.
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