SP11.6 UK Medical National Teaching Initiative (UKMNTI): A novel digital platform for the delivery of surgical education

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Online teaching delivery has seen a recent rise in popularity, but evidence suggests significant barriers such as inadequate digital infrastructures and limited technical abilities of educators and learners. We have developed a digital platform, UKMNTI.com, as proof of concept for cost-effective and reliable delivery of surgical education. Methods The platform was developed using an open-source Moodle content management system with video conferencing and real-time interactive capabilities. An initial session (‘acute abdomen’) was written and delivered using a constructivist pedagogy. A Likert Scale of Confidence was used to objectively assess feedback from learners as well as free-text comments. Results A total of 56 participants attended the session and 28 of them participated in the feedback ranging from medical students (n=13) to Foundation doctors (4), Core Trainees and Specialty Registrars (3) and Allied Health Professionals (8) from 8 countries. Access and delivery were conducted without technical issues and rated good overall (4/5). Knowledge of ‘the acute abdomen’ increased from average (2.5/5) to good (4/5), and learners were engaged (4/5) and found the content helpful (4/5). Discussion Digital platforms are effective adjuncts to the delivery of medical education and help address socio-economic factors such as the cost of living and contribute to the sustainability agenda. With the above in mind, we created UKMNTI.com. UKMNTI.com is a new free clinical-oriented medical teaching website that was created to help medical trainees and students to keep their medical knowledge up to date. The website offers a regular teaching schedule along with a wealth of teaching tools, such as interactive modules, quizzes, and case studies.