An Online Training and Feedback Module Enhances the Musculoskeletal Examination Performance of Medical Interns

Abstract

Background Pathologies of the locomotor system are frequent and can cause disability and impact the quality of life of the people affected. In recent years, online training and feedback have emerged as learning tools in many fields of medicine. Objective This study aims to evaluate medical interns’ musculoskeletal examination performance after completing an online training and feedback module. Methods This study employed a quasi-experimental design. Medical interns were invited to complete a 4-week musculoskeletal physical examination training and feedback module via an e-learning platform. Before and after completing the module, their ability to perform the physical examination was evaluated using an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) with simulated patients. A control group of experts was assessed using the OSCE, and their performance was compared to that of the interns before and after the training. At the end of the module, a satisfaction survey was administered. Results A total of 35 subjects were assessed using the OSCE, including 29 interns and 6 experts. At the beginning of the training module, the group of interns obtained an average score of 50.6 ± 15.1. At the end of the module, 18 interns retook the OSCE, and their performance increased significantly to an average of 76.6 ± 12.8 (p < 0.001). Prior to the training, the experts performed significantly better than the interns (71.2 vs. 50.6; p = 0.006). After the interns received the training and feedback, there were no significant differences between the two groups (71.2 vs. 76.6; p = 0.43). The satisfaction survey showed that 100% of the study participants would recommend the training module to a colleague or peer. Conclusion The online training and feedback module enhances the musculoskeletal examination performance of medical interns.