Virtual EFORT Congress scientific program is in sync with EFORT’s educational pathway
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EFORT developed the European Orthopaedics & Traumatology Education Platform 4 years ago as a comprehensive approach for anyone seeking an educational overview in orthopaedics and traumatology or to advance their professional development.
Today we are launching the first Virtual EFORT Congress (VEC), which will be held from 28 to 30 October this year.
In these times of uncertainty, we wanted to make sure the proposed program reaches out with timely topics and gives insights to the different audiences within the orthopaedics and traumatology (O&T) community, and fosters innovative collaboration models.
At the inception of the European Orthopaedics & Traumatology Education Platform (EOTEP), Prof. Dr. Klaus-Peter Günther, who is the current EFORT president, declared the wish was to address several stakeholders: physicians, national and specialty societies, health politicians and industry.
“It is important for EFORT to let transpire the partnership vision and to give both, societies having their own structures and those who will see the EOTEP as a source of inspiration to structure educational endeavors, as an opportunity to join the dynamism of the exchange in the field of cross-border lifelong learning,” he said.
Precisely, this vision helped the VEC steering group to shape the program that is now available in a “day-by-day” format. Especially on the occasion of this first VEC, which offers a tangible opportunity for a wider outreach, anyone worldwide who is interested will have the possibility to connect, either live or by following the on-demand program, because all of the VEC sessions will be recorded.
Five simultaneous channels
As a reminder, the VEC will offer five simultaneous channels, two of which will be dedicated to the abstract-based program, another two channels will be dedicated to scientific sessions and the fifth channel will offer sessions with featured content.
Technical aspects of surgery and approaches used in different geographic regions among professionals in the musculoskeletal field will be widely covered. The selected topics have been captured in an impressive number of sessions organized in the two dedicated parallel channels that will broadcast during the 3 days of the meeting, at five slots a day.
Other flagship sessions, such as Advanced Concepts in Total Knee Replacement and Total Hip Replacement, to take place on the Thursday 29 October, respectively, in the morning and afternoon, were reshaped to fit the virtual format and were placed in the channel of featured content. Among others, and along the lines of robotic-assisted surgery, the morning session proposes the module “Robotics and Assistive Technology in Knee Arthroplasty.” Although we know that surgical robots do not operate independently, it is questioned whether robots help surgeons to operate more effectively and improve practice.
Experts’ views in revision procedures have not been left aside. This topic is represented in two respective sessions, “Hip Revision Surgery: Indications, Techniques, Tips & Tricks” & “Planning In Revision Knee Arthroplasty: Key Points For A Good Job” – and as is noticed from the titles, the pragmatic approach was favored.
EFORT also held two special webinars dedicated to COVID-19. During the peak of the pandemic and notably with experts from Italy and Spain, the webinars elaborated on practical suggestions for the orthopaedic community, dos and don’ts and further how to organize the department, the team, the emergency, the surgery, the consultation office ... In a second step arose the discussion on how to prioritize patients when reinstating surgery in a stepwise manner.
This session on COVID-19 will focus on delivering what has been learned since: “COVID-19 And Orthopaedics And Trauma: What We Have Learned” to be held on Thursday 29 October.
European Union health politicians are part of organizations also responsible for shaping medical education. They try to establish standards in O&T through the accreditation of programs, for example (continuing medical education accreditation pending at the time of going to press). The planned Network of Orthopaedic Registries of Europe symposium will be all about benchmarks. Titled “Benchmarking Performance of Implants” and with plans to include presentations from measuring the performance of units and surgeons to benchmarking hospital registry data to improve quality of care, this session is right in line with EFORT’s work within its public policy and initiative strategic pillar, as well as in regard to patient safety.
As for industry, orthopedic companies usually organize many of their own courses at congresses, with good reason, as this training supports the effective use of their implants and products. As within the EOTEP, the VEC platform tackles the educational need differently and covers the full array within O&T through a more neutral approach. We believe this unbiased perspective prepares companies and surgeons for greater appreciation and awareness of new innovations and the differentiated use of prostheses.
Dedicated platform to showcase industry
In the quest to provide these different levels of education during the VED, it was important for EFORT to collaborate with industry. Within the VEC environment, EFORT proactively created a dedicated platform for industry partners to showcase their activities. Virtual booths, industry symposia and live scientific sessions that employ lifelike fracture specimens, for example, will clearly enhance the VEC experience.
As a highlight, we are proud to present BioSkills@EFORT which, like the other features of industry-supported programs, will take place during evening time slots throughout the 3 days of the VEC.
BioSkills@EFORT was developed in partnership with companies. Members of the EFORT Trauma Education Group worked on three sessions, which will be presented live from the operating theatres of the surgical education center, the CadLab Cologne.
Proximal Humerus: Plating vs. Nailing – Pilon - Periprosthetic fracture are the three modules that address the surgical technique on human specimens. To diversify techniques, each of those modules will be duplicated and performed at two operating tables. Approaches will be commented on live and then opened up for discussion to all the participants.
VEC in brief
- Artificial intelligence, robotics, diversity, hands-on learning and policies developed to sustain the O&T practice are some of the key areas that form significant parts of the program;
- The day-by-day program is newly available for you to pick and choose sessions of interest, because attendance for an entire day of a virtual meeting is always challenging;
- Missed sessions can be watched later at your convenience on an “on-demand” basis. In addition, once you register for the VEC, the replays are included in the fee and available for 6 months after the VEC;
- The VEC provides the ability to connect virtually and meet with peers from around the world; and
- Not only will you contribute to make this first VEC the largest O&T congress organized, but you will also help reduce your carbon footprint.
All of the above is included in the attractive registration fee of 100 euro per participant.
Visit https://vec.efort.org and register today.
The EFORT board and the VEC steering group look forward to meeting you online in October.
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