Training needs and educational sources of European musculoskeletal specialists: learning outcomes of the IBSA International Academy – MSK Modules

Abstract

Background: Building a meaningful training program for musculoskeletal (MSK) specialists is a major undertaking to improve the clinicians’ skills and ultimately patients’ outcome. The purpose of this study was to gather direct information from attendants of a training program called IBSA International Academy – MSK Modules on the perceived benefit of such initiative.

Methods: The IBSA International Academy has been developed during 2021 by IBSA’s Global Medical Affairs department with the involvement and support of an international faculty composed by experts in the field that has become the scientific Board of the Academy. More than 100 specialists from several European countries attended one or more modules focused on ultrasound (US) and US-guided infiltration and were asked to answer (a) a short survey just after the modules were completed and (b) a more detailed survey several weeks after their return to daily practice.

Results: A total of 114 specialists from 12 European countries attended the academy. The post-module evaluation form was completed by 94 (82.4%) and the follow-up survey by 30 (26.3%) participants. Response rate was highest for specialists from Nordic countries (50.0%) and lowest from Balkan countries (11.1%). The overall feedback of the participants to the academy was overwhelmingly positive both immediately and medium–long term after return to daily practice. About 57% of responders indicated mastering US and 30% indicated a better understanding of the anatomy as a key learning outcome of the academy. The added value of networking between peers and of direct contact with the experts in the faculty was mentioned by 77% and 53% respectively.