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The Use and Rise of Technology in Plastic Surgery Education: Is the Textbook Dead?
Joshua T. Waltzman, MD, MBA, Kashyap Tadisina, BS, James E. Zins, MD, FACS
Cleveland Clinic
2015-03-14
Presenter: Joshua T. Waltzman, MD, MBA
Affidavit:
This work is 100% original and has not been published or presented at a major meeting.
Director Name: James E. Zins, MD
Author Category: Fellow Plastic Surgery
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: Aesthetics
Introduction: Newer technologies have the potential to significantly improve healthcare. We attempted to evaluate plastic surgery resident's current use of technology in order to predict future needs and to maximize efficient use of limited resources.
Methods: A 17 question online survey was emailed to ASAPS resident/fellow members (n = 447). The survey evaluated current use of technology, preferred use of educational resources, and future directions. Ample space was allocated for free response questions.
Results: Response rate was 40%. Apple products dominated amongst residents with 86.5% iPhone ownership, and 85.5% iPad ownership. With regard to frequency of use: smartphones and tablets were referenced daily, and hardcopy textbooks and PSEN were referenced weekly. In contrast, 78% of residents were not aware of, or never used, the RADAR Resource iPad application. Nearly 70% of residents preferred electronic journal access over the paper journal. Pirated PDF copies of textbooks on iPads are commonplace. The convenience and portability of multiple textbooks on an iPad trumps preference for the experience of reading a hardcopy textbook.
Conclusion: In contrast to the rest of society, Apple products dominate the resident market. Smartphone technology offers improvements in patient care. The tablet is predicted to replace the hardcopy text. Textbook piracy is rampant and guaranteed to continue. There is a large opportunity increase awareness and utilization of RADAR Resource. In order to remain at the forefront of education, we as a specialty must adapt with technology.
