“iBIM” — Internet-based interactive modules: an easy and interesting learning tool for general surgery residents

Abstract

Background:The increased use of information technology supports a resident-centred educational approach that promotes autonomy, flexibility and time management and helps residents to assess their competence, promoting self-awareness. We established a web-based e-learning tool to introduce general surgery residents to bariatric surgery and evaluate them to determine the most appropriate implementation strategy for Internetbased interactive modules (iBIM) in surgical teaching. Methods:Usernames and passwords were assigned to general surgery residents at the University of Alberta. They were directed to the Obesity101 website and prompted to complete a multiple-choice precourse test. Afterwards, they were able to access the interactive modules. Residents could review the course material as often as they wanted before completing a multiple-choice postcourse test and exit survey. We used paired t tests to assess the difference between pre-and postcourse scores.Results: Out of 34 residents who agreed to participate in the project, 12 completed the project (35.3%). For these 12 residents, the precourse mean score was 50 ± 17.3 and the postcourse mean score was 67 ± 14 (p = 0.020). Conclusion:Most residents who participated in this study recommended using the iBIMs as a study tool for bariatric surgery. Course evaluation scores suggest this novel approach was successful in transferring knowledge to surgical trainees. Further develop ment of this tool and assessment of implementation strategies will determine how iBIM in bariatric surgery may be integrated into the curriculum.

Current Techniques of Teaching and Learning in Bariatric Surgical Procedures: A Systematic Review

“…successfully implemented an internet-based knowledge module. 18 As the largest effect was found in a subgroup analysis of residents who completed a bariatric rotation before their study, it can be hypothesized that participating in surgeries and acquiring knowledge could best be combined. Next to knowledge gaining, preoperative ex vivo training was studied in several studies.…”

“…Azer et al implemented an internet-based knowledge module on bariatric surgery to their general surgery curriculum. 18 The largest effect was found in a subgroup analysis of residents who completed a bariatric rotation before the study period. Zevin et al identified the available simulation-based training programs in addition to re-examining the learning curve of roux-y gastric bypass.…”

“…One study of Azer et al solely focused on knowledge acquisition of surgical residents on the topic of bariatric surgery through an online platform. 18 Four publications (28%) described an ex vivo training course for residents and surgeons. [19][20][21][22] Three authors (21%) divided the gastric bypass procedure into three steps (creating the pouch, gastro-enterostomy, entero-enterostomy) and taught residents one step at a time.…”

Self-directed learning by video as a means to improve technical skills in surgery residents: a randomized controlled trial

“…In gynecology, a blended learning program using e-learning videos with face-to-face training modalities reduced the incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injuries [ 12 ]. Another study gave surgical residents access to internet-based interactive modules [ 13 ]. Residents had increased course score after completing the module and the tool was recommended by most who participated.…”

How Do Clinicians Learn About Knowledge Translation? An Investigation of Current Web-Based Learning Opportunities

“…We know online learning opportunities offer learners control over how, when, and where they interact with learning materials, making it possible to determine the sequence and pace of one’s own learning [ 30 ]. Web-based learning can also facilitate self-assessment of competence [ 31 ]. For this reason, Web-based learning platforms have become commonplace in postgraduate education provision.…”