A new faculty support package provides a structured starting point for each chairperson to run an effective event using the collective input of many experts worldwide. The chairperson and local faculty can adapt the content to meet the needs, level of experience, and practice variety of the participants as well as the local health-care system. ​​Structure of a course module with the typical sequence of learning activities. Each course module covers a specific area of content.

 

Chairpersons and faculty can select from a full library of cases, and an extensive collection of presentations is available. The lab days and practical exercises are supported through documents, videos where possible, and tools to make the planning efficient and the delivery effective. Additionally, a set of pre-assessment multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that familiarize the learners with some of the key topics and messages from the course is available.

 

The modular structure of the program allows the combination of anatomical regions and the selection of some optional material depending on local needs. Lectures are used to introduce the challenges related to each anatomical region in order to establish common terminology and approaches and to summarize the evidence for current management.

 

Most of the course is delivered through small group discussions, where structured cases integrate the learning objectives from the curriculum. The cases have been carefully selected and documented and vetted through a peer review process to ensure that they deliver appropriate key messages and follow all AO principles. The ideal educational setting for this course is one large room with tables for each group of six to eight participants and two faculty members.

 

The curriculum work has been led by the five past, current, and future IPEs: Ashraf Moharram, Paul Binhammer, Stefaan Nijs, Diane Nam, and Martin Richardson, supported by the ten surgeon RPCs from all over the world.

 

Chairpersons now have the opportunity to implement the curriculum in their upcoming events. Each chairperson must follow the key steps below in the planning stage and then collaborate with the curriculum implementation team for delivery:

 

1. Decide the course focus and modules (select the program template)

2. Select anatomical specimens or dry bone practical exercises

3. Plan core content (finalize the timing and faculty assignments)

4. Select optional content (expand time up to a half day)

5. Ask for review and feedback from one IPE and one RPC

 

Feedback and suggestions for improvement will be collected from every event in 2020 and the assessment and evaluation data will be analyzed.

 

AO Trauma recommends that each chairperson of the new courses first have experience as faculty member at one course. This will help greatly in the organization and optimization of their events. The IPEs and RPCs will be involved in supporting curriculum implementation by helping the chairperson integrate the content and by being available as faculty.

 

Faculty and chairperson’s support and involvement are essential for initial success and for the longer-term enhancement of the curriculum.

 

For further information about the upper extremity curriculum please contact: templates@aotrauma.org