'SurgTalk': The Educational Outcomes Associated With Development of a Surgical Podcast for Undergraduate Medical Students

Abstract

Objective: Educational podcast series are becoming increasingly popular as free open access medical education (FOAMed) resources, however, the educational benefit associated with their use is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the educational outcomes associated with the implementation of a surgical podcast series for undergraduate medical students.

Methods: Two conversational case-based podcast episodes were recorded covering 2 common surgical presentations. Final-year medical students were recruited prospectively in January 2023 and underwent a baseline multiple choice question (MCQ) test covering the material within the podcast episodes. Participants were then provided with the episode files through encrypted Google Drive links. Two weeks following baseline assessment, students repeated the initial MCQ test and completed a postpodcast reaction survey. Data were analyzed using a paired t-test, multivariable regression analyses, and simple descriptive statistics.

Results: Fifty students were enrolled in the study. All participants undertook the baseline assessment. About 98% completed the postpodcast MCQ, while 94% completed the postpodcast reaction survey. All participants who undertook the reaction survey (n = 47) found the podcast helpful in explaining surgical concepts, 92% of participants found the podcast enjoyable to listen to. The most commonly reported activity undertaken while listening was "commuting/driving" (n = 24, 48%). The mean baseline MCQ score was 44.6%. The mean postpodcast MCQ score was 65.51%. There was a mean absolute increase in test score of 20.2% from baseline which was statistically significant (95%CI 14.67-25.6, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Implementation of this podcast series was associated with a statistically significant improvement in mean test score from baseline, reflecting knowledge acquisition. There was a positive user reaction and students were able to listen while performing other activities. Further evaluation of the educational outcomes associated with podcast use, particularly the effects on knowledge retention and clinical competence, is required.

Keywords: medical education; podcast; surgical education; undergraduate.