Developing a Smartphone Application to Improve Access to Quick-Reference Educational Resources: The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Experience

Abstract

The modern training pathway for junior surgeons prior to specialty training encourages rotation through a variety of specialties with the aim of creating a well-rounded surgeon. While the syllabus of the intercollegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons aims to prepare individuals broadly for the major surgical specialties, oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) represents an additional challenge for singly qualified trainees (either doctors or dentists) working as junior trainees (eg F2 trainees, dental F2 trainees, core trainees, senior house officers/trust grade surgeons) in a specialty that ultimately requires dual qualification in medicine and dentistry.

Recharging Smiles: Strategies for Using Mobile Phones in Dental Public Health

“…Mobile devices can be a means to access electronic educational resources during clinical activities and also improve clinical decision-making. 24 Additionally, it is now possible to advise even those who are furthest from dental treatment during an emergency. Stein et al 25 developed an extremely useful application for the purpose of triaging dental emergency.…”

Surgical Smartphone Applications Across Different Platforms

“…[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] There was one article that described the development and evaluated a research and educational application for maxillofacial surgeons in training. 21 There were 2 articles based on ear, nose, and throat applications, one described the use of an application to morph the nasal contour prior to surgery and the other was a review of iPhone applications for otolarynologists. 22,23 Applications for colorectal surgery, neurosurgery, and urology were covered in single reviews.…”