title: Is there a digital generation gap for e-learning in plastic surgery?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Some authors have claimed that those plastic surgeons born between 1965 and 1979 (generation X, or Gen-X) are more technologically able than those born between 1946 and 1964 (Baby Boomers, or BB). Those born after 1980, which comprise generation Y (Gen-Y), might be the most technologically able and most demanding for electronic learning (e-learning) to support their education and training in plastic surgery. These differences might represent a "digital generation gap" and would have practical and financial implications for the development of e-learning.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to survey plastic surgeons on their experience and preferences in e-learning in plastic surgery and to establish whether there was a difference between different generations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Online survey (e-survey) of plastic surgeons within the UK and Ireland was used for this study.
  
  
  METHODS
  In all, 624 plastic surgeons were invited by e-mail to complete an e-survey anonymously for their experience of e-learning in plastic surgery, whether they would like access to e-learning and, if so, whether this should this be provided nationally, locally, or not at all. By stratifying plastic surgeons into three generations (BB, Gen-X, and Gen-Y), the responses between generations were compared using the χ(2)-test for linear trend. A p value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 624 plastic surgeons contacted, 237 plastic surgeons completed the survey (response rate, 38%), but data from 2 surgeons were excluded. For the remaining 235 plastic surgeons, no evidence was found of statistically significant linear trends between by generation and either experience, access, or provision of e-learning.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings refute the claim that there are differences in the experience of e-learning of plastic surgeons by generation. Furthermore, there is no evidence that there are differences in whether there should be access to e-learning and how e-learning should be provided for different generations of plastic surgeons.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK. r.stevens02@aberdeen.ac.uk
authors.forename: Roger J G
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Stevens
authors.forename: Neil M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Hamilton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016901:Intergenerational Relations; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000193:education*; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult