Cross-Sectional Content Evaluation of Spinal Cord Injury Medicine Fellowship Websites

Cureus, 2023 · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.36183 · Published: March 15, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Education Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study assesses the quality of Spinal Cord Injury Medicine (SCIM) fellowship websites. It looks at how easily applicants can access information and what kind of details are provided. The researchers checked 24 SCIM fellowship websites for things like educational resources, research opportunities, recruitment information, and incentives offered to fellows. The study found that many websites lack important details about the program, like specifics on didactics, educational resources, and evaluation criteria, which could make it hard for applicants to fully understand the program.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

24 SCIM fellowship program websites

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional analysis

Key Findings

1
Many SCIM fellowship websites lack sufficient information on didactics, educational resources, evaluation criteria, call requirements, schedules, and expected caseloads.
2
Information regarding the selection process, current board pass rates, mentorship opportunities, technology/simulation, and alumni was limited across several evaluated websites.
3
Incentives, fellow wellness, and harassment policies were also found to be insufficient or absent on many SCIM fellowship websites.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the quality and accessibility of SCIM fellowship program websites to identify potential areas for improvement for future applicants. The study found that many evaluated websites needed more information on didactics, educational resources, evaluation criteria, call requirements, schedules, and expected caseloads, which could lead to an incomplete understanding of the fellowship program. The study emphasizes that SCIM fellowship programs should provide comprehensive and accurate information on their websites to facilitate applicants in choosing the program that aligns best with their professional goals.

Practical Implications

Improve Website Content

SCIM fellowship programs should enhance their websites with detailed and transparent information regarding program qualities, educational/research opportunities, recruitment, and incentives.

Enhance Applicant Pool

By improving website content, SCIM fellowships can attract more qualified applicants and enhance the applicant pool, ultimately improving the quality of their program.

Promote Transparency and Equity

Providing comprehensive and accurate information on fellowship websites promotes transparency and equity in the match process, allowing applicants to make informed decisions aligned with their career objectives.

Study Limitations

1
The study only evaluated website content based on predetermined criteria.
2
The cross-sectional design provides a snapshot in time and does not assess changes over time.
3
The study is limited to the 24 SCIM fellowship programs listed on FREIDA in December 2022.

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