Critical Evaluation of the Efficiency of Colorectal Fellowship Websites: Cross-sectional Study

Qi Yan; Katherine Jensen; Alyssa Field; Christian Goei; Haisar E Dao Campi; Alicia Logue; W Brian Perry; Mark G Davies

doi:10.2196/30736

Critical Evaluation of the Efficiency of Colorectal Fellowship Websites: Cross-sectional Study

JMIR Med Educ. 2021 Oct 15;7(4):e30736. doi: 10.2196/30736.

Authors

Qi Yan¹, Katherine Jensen¹, Alyssa Field¹, Christian Goei², Haisar E Dao Campi¹, Alicia Logue¹, W Brian Perry¹, Mark G Davies¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States.
² University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, San Antonio, TX, United States.

PMID: 34652282
PMCID: PMC8556633
DOI: 10.2196/30736

Abstract

Background: Websites are an important source of information for fellowship applicants, as they can influence ongoing interest and potential program selection.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the current state of colorectal fellowship websites.

Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluates the quantity and quality of information available on websites of colorectal fellowship programs verified by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education in 2019.

Results: A total of 63 colorectal fellowships were included for evaluation. Websites were surveyed for content items that previous studies have found to be influential to program applicants. The 58 (91%) programs with a functional website were evaluated using an information index (calculated as a function of availability of content items concerning education, application, personnel, and benefits) and an interactive index (calculated as a function of accessibility and usability of the webpage). Programs had a median total score of 27.8 (IQR 21.5-34.5) of 79. The median score for the interactive index was 7.5 of 15 and for the information index was 20 of 64. The median scores for website application, education, personnel, and benefits or life considerations were 5, 5.5, 3.3, and 4 of 13, 24, 13, and 14, respectively. There was no difference in total score between programs in different geographical regions (P=.46).

Conclusions: Currently, colorectal surgery fellowship program websites do not provide enough content for applicants to make informed decisions. All training programs, regardless of specialty, should evaluate and improve their digital footprint to ensure their websites are accessible and provide the information desired by applicants.

Keywords: GME; accessibility; colorectal; content; fellowship information; graduate education; graduate medical education; online information; recruitment; social media; websites.

©Qi Yan, Katherine Jensen, Alyssa Field, Christian Goei, Haisar E Dao Campi, Alicia Logue, W Brian Perry, Mark G Davies. Originally published in JMIR Medical Education (https://mededu.jmir.org), 15.10.2021.