"New innovative QR code-based mobile audience response system (mARS) for panel discussion (PD) in a Indian Arthroscopy Society conference(IASCON) of 1102 registered delegates." - A cross-sectional study.

Purpose: The purpose is to determine the feasibility of Mobile based Audience response system (mARS) and the best time to get maximum delegate participation in panel discussion at a national Indian Arthroscopic Society conference(year-2022) with 1102 delegates by studying their engagement at various time schedules. Methods: Our institution-based software engineer set up mARS, and a separate URL, was purchased for recording the responses. 5 Panel discussions (PD) were moderated by senior national faculty, 3 were on knee topics, and 2 were on Shoulder topics. The audiences were engaged in ongoing PD discussion by displaying the multiple choice questions (MCQs) questions for 15-30 seconds & real-time response was collated, and poll results were declared in real-time during the conference. The data of each panel discussion was acquired from admin page & statistical analysis was done to determine the audience participation in Hall A (Knee) versus Hall B (Shoulder), Day 2 versus day 3 and pre-lunch session versus post-lunch session. Results: Maximum number of delegates (252) participated in Multi-ligament knee injury (MLKI)PD (day 2); however, percentage of response was higher for Massive cuff tear PD (day 3). Audience response was better on day 2, for shoulder topics and pre-lunch session PD than on day 3, knee topics and post-lunch sessions & this was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusions: mARS proves is an innovative and valuable resource, enhancing audience participation during PD at large gatherings. Real-time results aids not only active delegate engagement but also helps moderators/panellist in curating discussions to answer uncommon queries and unify the responses. The most suitable time for PD sessions utilizing mARS is the pre-lunch slot on day 2. Level of the evidence: Level 3 (Decision Analysis- Observational cross-sectional study). Study design: Cross-Sectional Study. Relevance: This article helps the organizers of larger meeting to time the panel discussion appropriately to obtain maximum audience participation and curate the discussion based on delegate centric responses. Key terms: mobile Audience response system (mARS), Audience response system (ARS), Panel Discussion(PD), Indian Arthroscopic Society conference (IASCON), Indian Arthroscopy society (IAS). What is known about the subject: Audience response system (ARS) in the smaller meeting and webinars are well known entity to have active participation in on-going discussion. “What are the new findings?”: Response and results of innovative QR code-based mobile Audience response system (mARS) for Panel discussion (PD) in larger arthroscopic conference with 1102 delegates showed delegates were more interested in Shoulder topics and pre-lunch session and Day 2 response were better.