367 Enhancing Experiences of Undergraduate Medical Students Through Livestreaming Technology

Abstract Aim Establish if there is a benefit to the experience of third year medical students during their surgical rotation through the use of Rods and Cones® livestreaming technology Method Session design: A half-day classroom session was introduced once per 8-week surgical block. During this session, students received presentations related to the surgeries they would later observe as well as the roles of the surgical team and theatre etiquette. A morning theatre list was then livestreamed to students in the classroom using Rods and Cones® technology. Explanatory commentary was provided by the clinicians in theatre and in the classroom and student questions were encouraged throughout. Voluntary feedback on the session was collected from students via anonymous online feedback form at the end of each session. Results 39 students completed the anonymous survey. All students rated the session as ‘neutral’ or better in terms of usefulness to their learning, with over half of students rating the session as very useful. An increase in student comfort regarding observing or assisting in theatre was also observed; 7 students felt ‘somewhat uncomfortable’ prior to the session whilst 0 students expressed they would feel uncomfortable after the session. 23 students reported they would be either somewhat or very comfortable prior to the session, compared to 36 students afterwards. Conclusions Rods and Cones® technology is a promising adjunct to undergraduate surgical education based on received feedback. Further investigation is warranted regarding its educational benefits and role in tackling barriers to students attending theatre.