Abstract
Background: Continuing medical education (CME) and continuing professional development (CPD) contribute to the lifelong learning for healthcare professionals (HCPs). Traditional in-person centralized CME/CPD events pose logistical challenges, limiting access, particularly for early-career practitioners. To address these barriers, the AO Foundation developed a series of “In-Hospital” orthopedic trauma modules, enabling the workplace-based delivery of flexible, locally relevant education. This study assesses the impact of this educational initiative.
Methods: The In-Hospital modules, designed using a competency-based approach and Kern’s six-step curriculum development model, targeted early career surgeons. The modules covered key orthopedic trauma topics such as open fractures, polytrauma, acute compartment syndrome, pediatric elbow fractures, fracture-related infection, geriatric hip fractures, and limb salvage versus amputation. Each module provided up to four hours of content, including lectures, clinical cases for small group discussion, and optional practical exercises. From June 2022 to June 2024, 169 events were delivered across 30 countries, and data were collected to evaluate outcomes using Moore’s framework.
Results: A total of 3,950 participants attended the events, led by 87 course directors, with significant regional engagement in South Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. Pre- and post-course assessments demonstrated significant competence improvements across all modules (mean difference: 2.305, p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 0.714). Modules addressing polytrauma and open fractures had the highest participation rates, underscoring the demand for education on managing complex injuries. Participants rated the modules highly in terms of clinical relevance and pedagogical value, with 99% recommending the events.
Conclusion: The In-Hospital modules demonstrated high efficacy in enhancing participants' knowledge, satisfaction, and engagement. By leveraging experiential and sociocultural learning theories, these modules enabled the immediate contextualization and application of knowledge within clinical environments. This decentralized, flexible approach addresses critical gaps in trauma education, particularly in resource-constrained settings, aligning with global efforts to improve trauma care outcomes. The In-Hospital modules represent a successful model for workplace-based CME/CPD, offering a scalable and adaptable solution for advancing trauma education globally and validating the necessity for continued program enhancement.