Journal of Surgical Simulation 2023; 10: A: 5 - 5
Published: 16 November 2023
Oral presentation
Special Issue: The CRAMSURG experience: an online journal and critical appraisal club
Abstract
Introduction: Academic activity during the past 2 years has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of CRAMsurg (an educational charity) was to build a virtual ‘community of practice’ aimed to develop critical appraisal and methodology skills.
Methods: Virtual journal club and educational sessions were started using video conferencing back in 2020. Trainees meet monthly online and deliver a presentation and critical appraisal of one paper, followed by a short tutorial on research methodology and discussion. An online e-learning platform (Moodle) is used for pre presentation preparation, pre and post presentation formative MCQs and feedback for presenting trainees. Presenters are also tasked to write a letter to the editor relating to the paper they critiqued. All sessions are recorded and disseminated via a dedicated website, YouTube, Spotify, iTunes and Google podcasts.
Results: At the time of submission, there have been a total of 24 CRAMsurg sessions. The average number of attendees was 13.5 (6-34). The total number of YouTube views was 1591 (mean 71.3 per episode, range 6-112). A total of 14 letters to the editor were published as a result of the online journal club sessions. The feedback for both live sessions and trainees preparation sessions was positive (average of 4.9/5 for 68 reviews). The website (www.cramsurg.org) recorded an average of 78 single users per month.
Conclusions: COVID-19 is still causing disruption to surgical education across the globe. The use of online platforms can successfully bring trainees together and meet learning needs of trainees.
Keywords
journal club; online; COVID-19; virtual; critical appraisal
Additional Information
This presentation was given at the SES 2022 online conference, January 2022.