title: Development of an international online learning platform for hepatopancreatobiliary surgical training: a needs assessment.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (AHPBA) and the Australian and New Zealand Hepatic, Pancreatic and Biliary Association (ANZHPBA) are developing an online distance learning curriculum to facilitate an interactive didactic experience for hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) fellows in the operationalization of existing HPB fellow curricula. Two needs assessment surveys were carried out to identify the optimal structure and process for deployment in fellow education.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 22-question survey querying fellows' learning styles and current and anticipated use of learning tools was disseminated electronically to 38 North American and Australasian HPB fellows. A follow-up 20-question survey was administered to assess fellows' feelings regarding online content.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Response rates were 55% (n = 21) for the first survey and 42% for the second (n = 16). In the first survey, 67% of respondents claimed familiarity with the required HPB curriculum, and 43% indicated dissatisfaction with current personal study strategies. A total of 62% (n = 13) reported studying with focused clinical relevance versus using a prescribed curriculum (n = 1, 5%). Fellows anticipated participating using online tools once (n = 10, 48%) or two or three times (n = 5, 24%) per week. Most respondents (n = 18, 86%) would meaningfully follow one or two discussions per month. The second survey identified themes for improvement such as discussion topics of interest, avoidance of holiday timing and mandatory participation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An international online distance learning format is an appealing mechanism for improved dissemination and operationalization of the established HPB fellow curricula. Fellows will engage in interactive discussions monthly. Controversial topics or those requiring complex decision making are best suited to this learning format.
authors: Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors: Susanne G
authors: SG
authors: Warner
authors: Saxon
authors: S
authors: Connor
authors: Christopher
authors: C
authors: Christophi
authors: Ijeoma A
authors: IA
authors: Azodo
authors: Tara
authors: T
authors: Kent
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Pier
authors: Rebecca M
authors: RM
authors: Minter
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D001662:Biliary Tract Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003479:Curriculum; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education*; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods*; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009520:New Zealand; D009656:North America; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires