SAT0684 A UNIQUE FREE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE FOR RHEUMATOLOGISTS: WWW.RHEUMATOLOGYMINDMAP.COM

Abstract

Background: One of the challenges for doctors in training is fast and easy access to reliable, relevant, and up-to-date clinical information. It can be very difficult to find what you require in the middle of a busy clinic or a ward round. All widely used educational approaches have significant limitations: textbooks are often inaccessible at work and information there can be outdated, internet search is time consuming and results are often irrelevant even if you use trusted sources, there is no single place where you can find all applicable guidelines and documents, learning from seniors is always limited in time and coverage. Trainees who do not yet have comprehensive knowledge of relevant topics can miss important details when they see a patient (e.g., bits of clinical assessment, differentials, certain relevant investigations) and this can adversely impact patient care. Mind mapping approach is a very effective strategy that can be used to address these issues. A mind map is an expandable structure consisting of radial hierarchic nodes. It is one of the simplest ways to visually organize and access information. A mouse click or a tap opens the next level and any subtopic is easily available within a few clicks. Online mind maps are still highly underrated but they have many important advantages offering visual structured approach, intuitive and logical search, easy modification, ability to embed documents, link topics, and use external hyperlinks. Evidence shows that mind maps facilitate learning [1-4]. Objectives: To create a free educational resource in Rheumatology using mind-mapping techniques. Methods: We used Mindjet MindManager 2017 (mind mapping software allowing export into HTML5 files that can be published online) to create the Rheumatology Mind Map website (www.Rheumatologymindmap.com). A wide range of information relevant to adult Rheumatology practice in the United Kingdom has been retrieved from various sources and structured in accordance with common standards used in medical education. The mind map embeds infographics currently used in Rheumatology (diagnostic and classification criteria, activity and damage indices, treatment decision aids, downloadable templates, etc). Appropriate permissions from right owners have been obtained. Results: The current version of the website (1.7, January 2019) contains an expandable mind map with above 1900 subtopics covering all aspects of adult Rheumatology. It works with all modern desktop and mobile browsers. Examples of structure of the mind map and some subtopics are shown in figures 1 and 2. The main advantages of the mind map are the presence of the most up-to-date information, detailed lists of investigations relevant for each of rheumatic conditions, thorough differential diagnosis, subtopics on pregnancy issues, extensive information about medications used in Rheumatology practice and treatment options for each condition. Specific attention is paid at the clinical information relevant for trainees, e.g., what to ask when you suspect a certain rheumatic illness, what to look for at the examination, and which investigations to order. The mind map has direct online links to appropriate NHS, NICE, BSR, SIGN, EULAR, and ACR guidelines and policies, and various resources including online calculators, relevant databases, websites providing support for patients, etc. Conclusion: The website www.Rheumatologymindmap.com is an attempt to create a unique comprehensive educational resource in Rheumatology. It allows free access and structured approach to clinical information required by a trainee or an established rheumatologist. It is an up-to-date source of a wide range of information and is linking hundreds of current online sources together in one place.