An Evaluation of the Utility of an Orthopaedic Surgery Rotation for Emergency Medicine Residents.

OBJECTIVES: In collaboration with the Department of Emergency Medicine, we designed a hands-on orthopaedic rotation for emergency residents in their first postgraduate year (PGY1) to introduce them to the appropriate evaluation and management of common orthopaedic injuries and conditions. Our hypothesis was that after the rotation, emergency medicine residents would be more comfortable with the evaluation and management of these injuries and conditions.

METHODS: We designed a survey for the emergency medicine residents to query the pre- and post-rotation level of comfort in the management of some of the most commonly encountered orthopaedic injuries and conditions that present to the emergency department.

RESULTS: Seventeen PGY1 emergency medicine residents completed the orthopaedic surgery rotation at the time the survey was distributed. Sixteen (94%) completed the questionnaire. Wilcoxon matched pairs testing based on the overall Likert score prior to and after completion of the orthopaedic rotation revealed that the overall Likert score after the rotation was significantly higher (19.4±5 vs. 27±3.6; P=0.00098). Comparison of each of the 9 knowledge and skill areas assessed by the questionnaire revealed that the respondents were significantly more comfortable in all of these core content areas (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION: The orthopaedic rotation designed in collaboration with the emergency medicine residency program may be a useful model for musculoskeletal education for non-orthopaedic surgery residents. [Full article available at https://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal-2016-09.asp, free with no login].