Providing outreach continuing education in countries with limited resources

Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2008 Oct;466(10):2413-7. doi: 10.1007/s11999-008-0381-6. Epub 2008 Jul 29.

Abstract

Obtaining continuing education can be difficult in countries with limited resources. Members of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) have developed a program for providing outreach continuing education courses in pediatric orthopaedics. POSNA members provide their own transportation to the host country, while the orthopaedic physicians along with the educational institutions in the host country in turn provide the support needed to carry out the courses. They also provide lodging, meals, and local transportation. Since its inception in 1998, 30 courses have been conducted in 19 countries with limited resources. The program has expanded to develop a partnership with the European Pediatric Orthopaedic Society. The protocol for organizing the courses is discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Community-Institutional Relations / economics*
  • Curriculum
  • Developing Countries / economics*
  • Education, Medical, Continuing / economics*
  • Europe
  • Fellowships and Scholarships
  • Health Services Research
  • Humans
  • International Cooperation
  • North America
  • Orthopedic Procedures / economics
  • Orthopedic Procedures / education*
  • Pediatrics / economics
  • Pediatrics / education*
  • Program Development
  • Program Evaluation
  • Societies, Medical / economics