Global Application of Assessment of Competencies of Paediatric Endocrinology Fellows in the Management of Differences of Sex Development (DSD) Using the ESPE e-learning.org Portal

Abstract

Background Using written submission with formative feedback as a teaching method, the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) developed an interactive elearning portal for predoctoral and postdoctoral education and training: (http://www.espe-elearning.org). The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of e-learning in the assessment of competencies of paediatric endocrinology fellows. Competencies included as medical knowledge communication skills and knowing what information to give to patients and parents with a difference of sex development about diagnosis and management. Materials and Method Sixty-eight fellows and 32 experts from various countries participated in the study. Fellows answered online multiple-choice and open questions relating to two clinical interactive problem solving cases (case 1: a new-born with congenital adrenal hyperplasia; case 2: a 17-year-old girl with gonadal dysgenesis). Experts provided anonymous feedback online, using responses guidance (standard questions for eliciting a uniform consideration of competence). Results Fifty percent of fellows answered 16 out of 20 questions correctly on their first attempt at questions about the clinical case scenarios. However, experts judged that only 50 % of the necessary elements of questions 1 and 2 (case 1) and question 2 (case 2) were given in these correct answers. The personalized formative feedback to the open questions provided by the two to three experts 'marking' each submission was highly valued by participating fellows. The most frequently cited items relating to cultural, religious and regional aspects of differences of sex development (DSD) management were relating fertility and role of the family. These were listed by 12/32 experts. Fellows did not mention them in their first reply to the open questions but acknowledged their importance in their second reply. Conclusion The ESPE e-learning portal, offering direct interaction between fellow and trainer, is highly valued by both parties, as helpful in developing medical competencies and is therefore a feasible tool for distance learning.

Global Application of the Assessment of Communication Skills of Paediatric Endocrinology Fellows in the Management of Differences in Sex Development Using the ESPE E-Learning.Org Portal

“…The global distribution of the participating fellows has been previously described [9]. As described in the methods section, these replies were analysed by scoring the number and quality of the predefined key items on a 5-level rating scale.…”

“…As we reported previously [9], it is of interest to note that the fellows in their first reply to the open questions did not mention cultural, religious or regional aspects. However, some acknowledged in their second reply to the expert that religious considerations are important, providing new insights for future use.…”

“…The outline of the study has been described previously [9]. In brief, paediatric endocrinologists in training worldwide (referred to hereafter as fellows) were invited to login to a specially created DSD e-learning course within the ESPE e-learning portal (www.espe-elearning.org).…”

“…In a recent paper, we reported results of an exploratory study regarding the suitability of the European Society of Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) e-learning portal to assess, at a global level, junior paediatricians (fellows) during their subspecialty paediatric endocrinology training regarding knowledge and skills for investigation and management of children and adolescents with DSD [9]. An additional objective of this study was to evaluate the communication skills in informing patients and parents about the diagnosis and management.…”

Outcome of Doctors Attending the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology Winter Schools 2008–2014

“…Although the existing support from the pharmaceutical industries and from ESPE itself enables many doctors to attend main meetings, it is unrealistic to expect that all the trainees and consultants from resource-limited countries for whom the cost of the main meeting is prohibitive could be supported. Online learning (e-learning) is proven to be an effective and feasible mode of communication and education [3] and could provide a major resource for maintaining contact between “students” from ESPE schools, including WS.…”