Background

In 2013, the AOSpine Education Commission (AOSEC) recognized that the AOSpine Curriculum had been in operation for 4 years and had moved into a complete implementation phase globally. It was time to evaluate the success of the project and to identify any areas for improvement or change. Following a series of interviews with the leadership and key surgeons in education, a decision was made to conduct an online needs assessment with our participants and faculty. The goals were to:

 

1. Identify any necessary updates to the Curriculum pathologies and competencies

2. Identify areas for improvement and enhancement of the Curriculum

3. Gather input from our community to identify any changing educational needs that should be reflected in our education planning and the educational methods we are using

 

The online needs assessment

From August 15 to September 6, 2013, members of our network were invited to complete a 15-minute online survey designed to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. A total of 848 AOSpine participants (n=503) and faculty (n=243) members and associates completed the questions with representative responses rates from the various regions:

 

•  2:1 ratio of orthopedic surgeons to neurosurgeons (consistent across regions)

•  50% of respondents graduated more than 15 years ago (low number of residents)

•  Surgeons mostly based in university or major tertiary hospitals

 

Data: Key observations from the sections of the needs assessment

 

AOSpine course/seminar attendance

•  All aspects of AOSpine courses/seminars were rated very positively by most respondents (quality and expertise of the faculty had the highest rating).

•  Quality of content, quality of course format and teaching methods, and ability to improve patient outcomes were rated slightly higher by faculty.

 

Educational need over next 2−3 years

•  The top three reported clinical problems were in the areas of surgical techniques, degenerative disease, and trauma.

•  The reported levels of expertise and educational needs over the next 2 to 3 years vary from region to region and based on current position.

•  The reported levels of ability for each competency within each pathology must be analyzed in detail for planning events for all levels of education.

 

AOSpine Curriculum

•  Awareness of the AOSpine Curriculum varies depending on the region and the role of the respondent (participant or faculty).

•  Increased communication and information regarding the Curriculum is needed.

•  34% of faculty have applied the Curriculum as a faculty member, chairperson, or educational advisor.

•  Almost all respondents reported high levels of agreement with the statements regarding the positive impact of the Curriculum.

 

Receiving education

•  There is a preference for more face-to-face courses by many respondents (many suggestions for improvement were provided and categorized).

•  There is a preference for more short-term fellowships by many respondents.

•  There is a preference for increased use of online/self-directed learning (many suggestions for improvement were provided and categorized).

•  Respondents would like to have more consultation with experts.

 

Results: Key recommendations and actions for the Curriculum enhancement project

Led by Germán Ochoa, Chairperson of the AOSEC, Bryan Ashman, and a lead editor for each pathology (Carlo Bellabarba, Chung Chek Wong, Venugopal K Menon, Larry Rhines, Ufuk Aydinli, Prashant Kekre, Emiliano Vialle, and Jeff Wang), several actions have already been taken and enhancement of the Curriculum will be completed by the end of 2014. Key actions and recommendations include:

 

1. AOSpine is expanding its educational offerings through Surgery Reference, more webinars worldwide, and the Continuing Education Program from AOSpine Latin America.

2. AOSpine now offers a standardized Principles Course worldwide (with a full Faculty Support Package).

3. Additional competencies could be added to the Curriculum for nonclinical areas (eg, professionalism, teamwork) and minor adjustments are being made to the overall framework of competencies and learning outcomes. Note: The Curriculum is well-aligned with many societies.

4. Output from the Knowledge Forums is being integrated and supported (eg, the new AOSpine Thoracolumbar Spine Injury Classification System).

5. Further opportunities for mentoring, fellowships, etc, are being explored through collaboration with Community Development.

6. An apparent growing need for education on deformity and tumor will be considered during international and regional planning.

7. The Faculty Development Programs at all levels will continue to focus on the Curriculum to ensure further success, and will integrate updated implementation and training materials.