title: Evaluation of a new eLearning platform for distance teaching of microsurgery.
abstract: Online learning (or eLearning) is in constant evolution in medicine. An analytical survey of the websites of eight academic societies and medical schools was carried out. These sites were evaluated against parameters that define the quality of an eLearning website, as well as the shareable content object reference model (SCORM) technical standards. All studied platforms were maintained by a webmaster and regularly updated. Only two platforms had teleconference opportunities, five had courses in PDF format, and four allowed online testing. Based on SCORM standards, only four platforms allowed direct access without a password. The content of all platforms was adaptable, interoperable and reusable. But their sustainability was difficult to assess. In parallel, we developed the first eLearning platform to be used as part of a university diploma in microsurgery in France. The platform was evaluated by students enrolled this diploma program. A satisfaction survey and platform evaluation showed that students were generally satisfied and had used the platform for microsurgery education, especially the seven students living abroad. ELearning for microsurgery allows the content to be continuously updated, makes for fewer classroom visits, provides easy remote access, and especially better training time management and cost savings in terms of travel and accommodations.
authors.affiliation: Hand Surgery Department, SOS Main, CCOM, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Translational Medicine Federation Strasbourg (FMTS), University of Strasbourg, CNRS Icube 7357, 10, Baumann avenue, 67403 Illkirch cedex, France; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, CHU Mohammed VI, Marrakech, Morocco.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Messaoudi
authors.affiliation: Plastic Surgery Department, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Translational Medicine Federation Strasbourg (FMTS), University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg cedex, France.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bodin
authors.affiliation: Hand Surgery Department, SOS Main, CCOM, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Translational Medicine Federation Strasbourg (FMTS), University of Strasbourg, CNRS Icube 7357, 10, Baumann avenue, 67403 Illkirch cedex, France.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Hidalgo Diaz
authors.affiliation: Hand Surgery Department, SOS Main, CCOM, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Translational Medicine Federation Strasbourg (FMTS), University of Strasbourg, CNRS Icube 7357, 10, Baumann avenue, 67403 Illkirch cedex, France.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ichihara
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, CHU Mohammed VI, Marrakech, Morocco.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fikry
authors.affiliation: Infantile Visceral Surgery Department, Hospital Hautepierre, University of Strasbourg, Molière avenue, 67098 Strasbourg, France; Surgical Simulation Unit, Strasbourg Faculty of Medicine, 4, Kirchleger Street, 67085 Strasbourg cedex, France.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lacreuse
authors.affiliation: Hand Surgery Department, SOS Main, CCOM, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Translational Medicine Federation Strasbourg (FMTS), University of Strasbourg, CNRS Icube 7357, 10, Baumann avenue, 67403 Illkirch cedex, France. Electronic address: philippe.liverneaux@chru-strasbourg.fr.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Liverneaux
authors.affiliation: Hand Surgery Department, SOS Main, CCOM, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Translational Medicine Federation Strasbourg (FMTS), University of Strasbourg, CNRS Icube 7357, 10, Baumann avenue, 67403 Illkirch cedex, France.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Facca
mesh_terms: D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003479:Curriculum; D020375:Education, Distance; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000193:education*; D009018:Morocco; D014584:User-Computer Interface
keywords: Distance education; Enseignement à distance; Microchirurgie; Microsurgery; Plateforme; Platform; Site Internet; Webmaster; Website; e-learning; eLearning