789 The Impact of a Virtual Orthopaedic On-Call Survival Course on Junior Doctors’ Confidence in Managing an Orthopaedic On-Call

Abstract

Abstract Aim Junior doctors often feel underprepared for their orthopaedic on-call shifts during their foundation placements. Studies have shown that medical schools are failing to prepare students to manage trauma and orthopaedic patients. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of an orthopaedic on-call survival course on the confidence levels of junior doctors in managing an orthopaedic on-call. Method We developed a one day orthopaedic on-call survival course, designed to provide junior doctors with the relevant knowledge to be able to confidently navigate an orthopaedic on-call shift. We designed a pre-course and post-course questionnaire which were distributed to the participants. Self-assessed confidence levels were recorded in managing an orthopaedic on-call and a number of orthopaedic knowledge domains using visual analogue scale 1–5. The course was delivered over 4 hours using Microsoft Teams. Results We received 47 matched pre- and post-course questionnaires. Overall, 87% of participants reported an increase in confidence in managing an orthopaedic on-call shift. 83% of participants reported an increase in confidence in orthopaedic radiology teaching. 80% of participants reported an increase in confidence in both upper limb emergencies and lower limb emergencies. 91% of participants reported an increase in confidence in spinal trauma. Conclusions An orthopaedic on-call survival course can provide junior doctors with the knowledge to be able to confidently manage trauma and orthopaedic patients during on-call shifts. We recommend that an orthopaedic on-call survival course can be used as an effective teaching method towards preparing junior doctors for their on-calls during foundation training.