The Impact of Video Conference on Orthopaedic Resident Education: A Survey

Abstract

Background: Covid and required social distancing has accelerated the use of video conferencing. We hypothesized that residents and faculty would be less receptive to the video lecture format and prefer traditional didactic methods. Methods: A 16-question anonymous survey was distributed nationally to orthopaedic residents and faculty. The survey collected basic demographic information such as, level in training, gender, and age. We then asked the respondent to rate their agreement or disagreement with 8 statements on a Likert scale (1-5) about video conferencing regarding orthopedic education. Likert scale responses were evaluated using basic descriptive statistics. Respondents were divided into groups of faculty and residents. Residents were subdivided into junior residents (PGY-1s and PGY-2s) and senior residents (PGY-3s, PGY-4s, and PGY-5s). A Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for the Likert scale type questions and a Fisher’s exact test was used for the pros/cons questions to evaluate for a difference in responses between groups. Results: A total of 123 residents or faculty responded to the survey. One was excluded because only the demographics section was completed, leaving 122 respondents. Respondents were found to prefer the traditional didactics compared to the new virtual format (p Conclusions: Orthopaedic residents and faculty do not prefer the new virtual didactic format compared to the traditional approach. Level of Evidence: Level IV Cross-Sectional Study