Have You Ever Wanted to Comment on a COA Bulletin Article?

Christian Veillette, M.D., FRCSC
Rochester, MN

Now you can.

The purpose of the comment system for the online version of the COA Bulletin (COA eBulletin) is to encourage member interaction and engage in discussion on these articles. Many of the topics in the Forum and Themes sections of the COA Bulletin are purposely chosen for their current relevance and continued controversy. Editorial and Info articles are written on prominent issues facing orthopaedic surgeons in Canada. The ability to allow COA Members to augment these articles with additional viewpoints, knowledge or relevant literature provides an excellent collaborative learning opportunity.

How to post a COA eBulletin Comment?

1. Go to the COA web site http://www.coa-aco.org/

2. Login with your username and password on the right hand side.

3. Select Member Services and then COA Bulletin

Figure 1. Introduction view for eBulletin article.

4. Select a COA eBulletin Issue.
A list of the articles available with an introduction will be displayed.  The entire article can be viewed by clicking the article title or the "Read more..." link.  The introduction aslo displays a counter for Comments posted for the article (Figure 1). 

5. Read article of interest and submit comment.
At the end of each article in the COA eBulletin there is a Comments area with a simple form (Figure 2). Comments posted will be available immediately for other COA Members to see (Figure 3). The authors of the article and previous comments will be notified by e-mail when a new comment has been posted.

Figure 2. Comment form at the end of each eBulletin article.

Figure 3. Comment is available immediately after being posted.

Keep Up to Date on COA eBulletin Comments
COA Members who have not authored an article can stay up to date on the latest comments by selecting the "Bulletin Comments" link in the Members Area (Figure 4). The 20 most recent comments posted in the COA eBulletin will be shown with links to the article and commentary.

Figure 4. Select the "Bulletin Comments" menu to keep up to date on recent comments.

Summary
The COA eBulletin Comment System provides a novel method for members to publish useful and engaging content - the latest literature, recent discussions or personal experience - and provide thought leadership.