30 Delivering Global Skull Base Education By WhatsApp – Experience From The January 2025 Vestibular Schwannoma Challenge

Vollständiger Abstract

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Abstract Aim Virtual learning is increasingly used in medical education, with emerging evidence supporting its feasibility and impact. The Vestibular Schwannoma (VS) Challenge delivered a free 30-day programme on VS diagnosis and management to a global audience using WhatsApp. This study assessed the effectiveness of WhatsApp as a platform for skull base education and gathered user feedback to inform future programme design. Methods A Birmingham-based collaboration of skull base multidisciplinary team members, residents, allied health professionals, and medical students delivered daily video lessons and/or written content via WhatsApp. Participants were invited to complete a multiple-choice quiz on VS and a feedback survey evaluating WhatsApp as a learning platform. Quantitative Likert-scale responses (1–5) were summarised using means and frequencies, while free-text responses underwent thematic analysis. Results A total of 363 participants joined the programme, with minimal attrition (three withdrawals). Sixty-five participants (18%) completed the final quiz, achieving a mean score of 65%. Fifty-seven participants (16%) completed the feedback survey, with similar representation across consultants, residents, allied health professionals, and students. Satisfaction ratings were high (mean helpfulness 4.40 ± 0.62), with 93% rating the challenge ≥4. Most respondents (85%) endorsed the “bite-sized” daily format, and 98% found WhatsApp an effective learning tool. Participants reported substantial engagement, with 39% viewing ≥75% of the content. Limitations of the free WhatsApp version included lack of automation, analytics, and restricted file sizes. Conclusion The VS Challenge demonstrates that WhatsApp is a feasible, accessible, and well-received platform for global medical education. This low-cost, scalable model may inform future subspecialty training initiatives.