ABSTRACT
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has led to innovation in the way scientific advancements are disseminated and the structure of physician continuing medical education. With in-person medical conferences and meetings throughout the world impacted by travel restrictions and many geographically confined, virtual teleconferences with exceptional attendance have become an integral part of medical education. Our group has successfully produced >50 virtual educational seminars, including multiple global webinar conferences ranging between 24 and 55 h of continuous lectures each. In this special communication, we discuss some of the challenges we overcame in learning "on the job" and share key elements to successful implementation of long-format virtual teleconference events. We hope our experience will guide future online continuing medical education efforts and assist others in planning their own online initiatives.
ABSTRACT
Background. Droplet simulation often requires expensive and inaccessible equipment. Herein, we develop and assess a low-cost droplet simulation model using easily accessible materials, open-source software, and a smartphone-based cobalt blue light. Methods. The simulation model was developed using commercial-grade materials and fluorescein dye. A clear face shield was assessed ten times following a simulated cough using fluorescein dye. A conventional ultraviolet Woods lamp was compared to a smartphone-based cobalt blue light to detect fluorescein illumination. Results. The simulation platform and smartphone-based cobalt blue light cost $20.18. A Wilcoxon signed rank test revealed that the median droplet area of fluorescence under the UV Wood's lamp was not significantly different than that of the smartphone-based cobalt blue light (2.89 vs 2.94, P = .386). Conclusions. This simulation model is inexpensive and easily reproducible. The smartphone application may be a convenient alternative to standard ultraviolet lights. This model has great potential for use in financially restricted academic centers during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.