AB168. SOH24AB_252. A novel orthopaedic curriculum is an effective teaching tool for junior trainees in Ireland

Background: Non-consultant hospital doctor progression from intern to senior house officer (SHO) leads to increased responsibility and autonomy through indirect oversight. A significant gap in orthopaedic knowledge and experience exists between SHOs new to the specialty and experienced trainees.

Methods: A mixed methods study design employed. Kern’s six step process informed the design and implementation of the programme. Multiple choice questionnaire (MCQ) exams were administered prior to the delivery and upon completion of the curriculum. A validated orthopaedic short answer questions (SAQs) exam and a survey was distributed to trainees on completion of the curriculum

Results: Eleven SHOs partook in the pilot six-week programme whose mean orthopaedic experience was 7.1 months (range: 0–30 months). A significant improvement in MCQ results was observed after the delivery of the curriculum (51.5% vs. 76.7%, P<0.005). Eight of eleven trainees passed the validated SAQ exam. 90.5% of participants believed the curriculum improved theoretical and practical orthopaedic knowledge and confidence during work-related activities.

Conclusions: A structured teaching programme delivered at the start of an orthopaedic rotation improved trainee knowledge and confidence. Increased trainee knowledge will translate to tangible improvement in patient care. A national curriculum is warranted and feasible to establish.

Keywords: Curriculum design; medical education; non-consultant hospital doctors; orthopaedics; patient safety