The Effect of a Flipped Classroom Didactic Curriculum on Orthopaedic In-Training Examination Scores for a Resident Cohort.

Abstract

Introduction: There is little research on the efficacy of flipped classroom (FC) models of learning in formal orthopaedic didactic curricula. The primary aim of this study was to compare resident Orthopaedic In-Training Examination (OITE) scores before and after implementation of an FC curriculum at a single academic institution.

Methods: An FC didactic model consisting of 3 hour-long weekly sessions focusing on highly tested topics was implemented for the start of the 2021 to 2022 academic year. The curriculum was based on the Orthobullets PASS curriculum. The OITE scores were measured 3 years before and 3 years after the implementation of the novel curriculum.

Results: Mean in-training scores as a program against national peers increased from the 29th percentile precurriculum implementation to 75th percentile postcurriculum implementation (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: At a single academic institution, average OITE scores increased significantly after implementation of an FC model. Consideration should be given to changing traditional lecture-based curricula to models that more effectively engage resident learners.

Level of evidence: Level III: Retrospective Cohort Study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.