# Bridging gaps in global surgery: Insights from an international hybrid conference

## TL;DR

A hybrid global surgery conference improved participants' confidence and knowledge, showing how such events can expand access to education and collaboration.

## Contribution

The study used a large sample and pre-post design to evaluate hybrid conference effectiveness in global surgery education.

## Key findings

- Professional development and global surgery learning were top motivators for conference attendance.
- Confidence in global surgery significantly increased after the conference.
- Social media was the most effective promotional tool for the hybrid event.

## Abstract

This study explores the motivations for attendance, methods of conference promotion, and key considerations in implementing a hybrid conference for global surgery education among medical students and trainee doctors. The InciSion UK Global Surgery Conference 2023, held in London, provided a unique platform combining in-person and virtual participation. Pre- and post-conference surveys collected qualitative and quantitative data from 640 and 794 respondents, respectively. Professional development (83.4 %) and learning about global surgery (70.8 %) were primary motivators for attendance. Confidence in global surgery significantly increased post-conference (mean score: 4.21 vs. 2.82, p < 0.001). Social media was the most effective promotional tool, introducing 38.4 % of attendees to the event. Participants highlighted the diversity and quality of talks as strengths, while technical issues were a challenge. Future conferences should enhance technical infrastructure and interactive engagement for virtual attendees. The hybrid model proves effective in broadening access to global surgery education and fostering collaboration across diverse geographical regions.

•This study included a robust sample size (794 responses), the largest to the author's knowledge.•Using a pre- and post-study design allowed us to compare attendee confidence and knowledge of global surgery effectively.•Qualitative and quantitative analysis was conducted to establish efficient promotion strategies for hybrid conferences and understand attendee perspectives.•Attendees reported a significant improvement in understanding of global surgery as a result of the conference•In future events, attendees most wanted to learn about “specific surgical and medical specialties” and “the state of surgery around the world”

This study included a robust sample size (794 responses), the largest to the author's knowledge.

Using a pre- and post-study design allowed us to compare attendee confidence and knowledge of global surgery effectively.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis was conducted to establish efficient promotion strategies for hybrid conferences and understand attendee perspectives.

Attendees reported a significant improvement in understanding of global surgery as a result of the conference

In future events, attendees most wanted to learn about “specific surgical and medical specialties” and “the state of surgery around the world”