The TENDON Study
EvaluaTion of Trauma and OrthopaEdic TeachiNg in UK MeDical SchOols Nationally
What is TENDON
Orthopaedic education is crucial for developing future doctors with skills in MSK anatomy, fracture management, and other key areas.
Despite its importance, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the type, standards, adequacy and effectiveness of orthopaedic teaching in UK medical schools.
This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the current state of orthopaedic education.
This will be the first study of its kind to explore orthopaedic teaching across UK medical schools.
Our objectives are:
Primary Objective: Determine the proportion of BOA curriculum topics covered by UK medical schools from both student and educator perspectives.
Secondary Objectives:
• Assess the types and quantities of orthopaedic teaching provided.
• Evaluate the reported performance and observation rates of core orthopaedic procedures among students.
• Compare educators’ and students’ perceptions of the quality, adequacy and effectiveness of orthopaedic teaching.
Join Us
We are asking for your help in gathering all medical school curriculums so that we can gather data on orthopaedic topics covered as well as types of teaching e.g., theory based/ clinical skills/ attachments etc.).
1. Express Interest: Fill out the sign-up form to join the TENDON Collaborative team.
2. Submit Curriculum Data: Upload your medical school’s curriculum (for all years) as a single PDF file through the provided form.
3. Engage in Data Collection: Assist in gathering data from medical students and teaching leads at your institution.
There will be opportunities to be recognised as a collaborative author if you were to be involved further in the study.
Please state your interest in being a collaborator in the form below.
Collaborators of the TENDON study will be acknowledged in any resulting publications and presentations as a collaborative author (Worth portfolio points on Core Surgery applications)
You also agree to the following:
1. Eligibility: You must be a current medical student enrolled at a UK medical school (Years 1 to 6), a FY1 doctor or a teaching fellow responsible for medical students (FY3)
2. Role: Collaborators will be responsible for helping to gather data from medical students and/or teaching leads at their respective medical schools.
3. Commitment: Collaborators are expected to:
• Distribute the study survey to medical students and/or teaching leads at their institution.
• Encourage participation and respond to any basic queries about the study.
• Provide updates on response rates and any challenges faced.
4. Communication: Regular communication with the study team will be required to discuss progress and troubleshoot any issues.
5. Data Protection: All data must be handled in accordance with GDPR guidelines and institutional research governance policies.
6. Recognition: Collaborators who meet the participation requirements will be acknowledged in any resulting publications and presentations as a collaborative author (Worth portfolio points on Core Surgery applications)