Abstract: SA-PO023
NephSim: An Innovative, Mobile-Friendly Nephrology Education Tool
Session Information
- Educational Research
November 09, 2019 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Educational Research
- 800 Educational Research
Authors
- Farouk, Samira S., Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, New York, United States
- Hilburg, Rachel, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Background
The evolving landscape of technology in medicine has created the need for new approaches to medical education in nephrology. Free open-access medical education (FOAMed) tools provide educational growth at no cost to the user. NephSim is a FOAMed tool that teaches pathophysiology and diagnostic approach to interactive nephrology cases through history and physical, diagnostic tests, and pathology. Cases provide real-time, iterative feedback and allow users to learn from mistakes. Tutorials and infographics illustrate nephrology concepts. NephSim, recipient of the 2018 ASN Innovation in Kidney Education Award, was created as an innovative tool for educators and trainees.
Methods
Built in WordPress, new content is published on NephSim.com every 2-4 weeks and can be accessed using mobile devices or computers. HIPAA compliant, peer reviewed content is distributed via social media and an email subscriber list. To evaluate the scope, effectiveness, and reach of NephSim, we assessed the website usage via WordPress analytics and administered an anonymous survey to evaluate user demographics and experience.
Results
To date, 31 cases have been published on NephSim (29% glomerular, 23% acid-base/electrolyte, 19% dialysis, 19% AKI/other, 6% transplant). 94,000 pageviews represent 100 countries. 17% (76/445) of email subscribers completed the survey. Most users were between 31-45 years (52%). 32% of users were nephrology fellows, 25% nephrology attendings, 9% internal medicine residents, and 1.4% medical students. The majority of users agreed or somewhat agreed that they use NephSim for individual learning (68%) or to teach others (75%). 96% agreed or somewhat agreed that NephSim was easy to use. Nearly all users either agreed or somewhat agreed that they enjoyed using NephSim (96%) and planned to continue using it in the future (99%). Anecdotally, NephSim has been used by educators to guide case-based lectures, teach medical students on nephrology electives, and foster independent learning for trainees at all levels.
Conclusion
NephSim has successfully deployed a mobile-friendly, cased-based approach to teaching nephrology. In just 1 year, usage continues to grow with global participation. Feedback has been positive. We aim to incorporate NephSim in medical school, internal medicine, and nephrology training program curricula while diversifying content and contributors.