An interview with
Martin Hessman

 

 

 

Martin Hessmann, International Program Editor (IPE) from the Working Group, spoke to us about the IM nailing project and provided some background on the creation and the goals of the group.

 

Why was the IM nailing Education Working Group set up?

Nailing has become the standard way of treating many fractures in the last 30–40 years, but the group felt the topic was underrepresented within AOTrauma. Nailing techniques have also evolved in the last 10–15 years, with new implants available that can address the different fractures.

 

What is the target audience for these nailing education offerings?

Almost all surgeons—from residents through to experts—perform some form of nailing. Our education should address their needs through face-to-face and online learning activities throughout their lifelong learning pathway. Our materials are also aimed at the faculty and chairs who are planning this education in the regions.

 

Is the final aim to have courses dedicated to nailing?

Most of our nailing will be integrated into other courses, for example in the Basic and Advanced Principles courses, and the various subspecialty events, where this technique serves as an important treatment option. There may be occasional, dedicated courses for more experienced nailers, like the one we held in Munich in 2014 as part of AOTrauma Europe Masters series of seminars.

 

How are these nailing events built and structured?

We started by listing the patient problems that nailing can address. We then defined six competencies for surgeons, as an overall framework as well as detailed objectives (knowledge, skills, and attitudes) for each level of education. We have compiled a curriculum guide and some templates, which are now being piloted. These will soon be available to chairpersons and faculty. Additionally, a full communication plan will be in place towards the end of 2015, to make the faculty worldwide aware of these resources and access to the new materials will be provided in the Faculty Support Package.

 

Has your group achieved any other deliverables?

Yes. There have been several webinars and webcasts on various nailing topics over the past 2 years, and we have provided support to many of the presenting faculty. The evaluation data has been very positive, and the number of participants in these events continues to grow.

 

Do you have any other initiatives coming soon?

Later this year, we will pilot some hospital-based education for residents and local practicing surgeons. Sergei Taggesell Fischer and Ernest Kwek will run half-day "basic" nailing seminars in their hospitals in Curitiba, Brazil, and in Singapore, and I will run an "intermediate" nailing seminar in Fulda, Germany. We look forward to gathering data from these events to share with the Residents Education Taskforce, in order to discuss the possibilities for future implementation.