Abstract
BackgroundThe exceptional competitiveness of the orthopedic surgery specialty, combined with the unclear impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on residency recruitment, has presented significant challenges to applicants and residency program directors. With limited in-person opportunities in the 2020-2021 application cycle, applicants have been pressed to gauge chances and best fit by browsing program websites.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to assess the accessibility and content of accredited orthopedic surgery residency program websites during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsUsing the online database of the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), we compiled a list of accredited orthopedic surgery residency programs in the United States. Program websites were evaluated across four domains: program overview, education, research opportunities, and application details. Each website was assessed twice in July 2020, during a period of adjustment to the COVID-19 pandemic, and twice in November 2020, following the October ERAS application deadline.ResultsA total of 189 accredited orthopedic surgery residency programs were identified through ERAS. Of these programs, 3 (1.6%) did not have functional website links on ERAS. Data analysis of content in each domain revealed that most websites included program details, a description of the didactic curriculum, and sample rotation schedules. Between the two evaluation periods in July and November 2020, the percentage of program websites containing informative videos and virtual tours rose from 12.2% (23/189) to 48.1% (91/189; P<.001) and from 0.5% (1/189) to 13.2% (25/189; P<.001), respectively. However, the number of programs that included information about a virtual subinternship or virtual interview on their websites did not change. Over the 4-month period, larger residency programs with 5 or more residents were significantly more likely to add a program video (P<.001) or virtual tour (P<.001) to their websites.ConclusionsMost residency program websites offered program details and an overview of educational and research opportunities; however, few addressed the virtual transition of interviews and subinternships during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Highlights
Applicants to orthopedic surgery residencies spend significant time and resources gathering information about potential programs [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]
The purpose of this study was to assess the content and quality of orthopedic surgery residency program websites and to evaluate adaptations made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
This study aims to both describe how orthopedic surgery programs adapted their websites in light of unprecedented circumstances and provide actionable items for programs to improve their online presence during future application cycles
Summary
Applicants to orthopedic surgery residencies spend significant time and resources gathering information about potential programs [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. Yong et al found that, applicants referenced websites frequently, the quality of information was ranked lower than that provided by medical school advisors or orthopedic surgery residents at home programs [9]. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the accessibility and content of accredited orthopedic surgery residency program websites during the COVID-19 pandemic. Program websites were evaluated across four domains: program overview, education, research opportunities, and application details. Between the two evaluation periods in July and November 2020, the percentage of program websites containing informative videos and virtual tours rose from 12.2% (23/189) to 48.1% (91/189; P
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