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Analyzing a follow-up needs assessment: Increased use of internet-based APSA educational programs by pediatric
Janice A Taylor1, Charles L Snyder2, Craig Lillehei3
1University of Florida Division of Pediatric Surgery, 1600 SW Archer Rd, PO Box 100119, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|February 29, 2020
Summary
Pediatric surgeons increasingly prefer electronic educational tools like ExPERT and NaT over traditional methods. Continued development is encouraged, focusing on cost, knowledge gaps, and personalized learning.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Needs assessment and follow-up are crucial for effective educational program design.
- The American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) offers two electronic educational programs: Exam-based Pediatric surgery Educational Reference Tool (ExPERT) and Pediatric Surgery Not a Textbook (NaT).
- These programs have been operational for over three years, enabling follow-up assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current acceptance and utilization of electronic educational platforms among pediatric surgeons.
- To identify learning preferences and knowledge gaps within the pediatric surgical community.
- To inform the future development of electronic educational resources by the APSA.
Main Methods:
- A 22-question survey was emailed to American Pediatric Surgical Association members.
- Survey questions covered practice demographics, learning preferences, and usage of APSA materials.
- Mann-Whitney analysis was employed to analyze the data (p<0.05).
Main Results:
- 294 members responded, with 43% in academic practice with a pediatric surgery fellowship.
- Top preferences for medical knowledge acquisition included national meetings (27%), ExPERT (24%), and NaT (20%).
- Compared to a 2014 assessment, electronic programs showed increased desire (16% vs. 40%+). Cost was a barrier for over one-third of non-subscribers. Over 86% would subscribe without a CME requirement. Fetal therapy was the most cited knowledge gap (30%).
Conclusions:
- This study documents a significant increase in the acceptance of electronic educational platforms among pediatric surgeons.
- The data support continued investment in and development of electronic educational resources.
- Future improvements should address affordability, specific knowledge gaps (e.g., fetal therapy), and curriculum personalization.
