Operative surgical education: Results of a Society of Surgical Oncology fellowship survey and proposal for an operative database Journal Article


Authors: Spanknebel, K.; Shoup, M.; Temple, L. K.; Coit, D. G.; Brennan, M. F.; Jaques, D. P.
Article Title: Operative surgical education: Results of a Society of Surgical Oncology fellowship survey and proposal for an operative database
Abstract: Background: Preparation of surgical trainees for oncological operative procedures is challenging. The purpose of this survey was to focus on identifying methods and resources used by trainees to prepare for procedures and to ascess the need for additional educational tools. Methods: A 34-item survey was mailed electronically to 97 surgical oncology fellows at 14 Society of Surgical Oncology-approved training programs. General surgery residents at an affiliate training program (n = 65) and residents attending an American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination review course (n = 129) were polled via hard-copy mailings. The survey was distributed with the Dillman method. Self-education practices, factors influencing operative education, and strengths/weaknesses of available resources were identified. Results: Response rates were 56% and 78% for fellows and residents, respectively. Trainees prepare for more than 50% of cases they perform (82%; 169 of 205), devoting up to 1 hour (87%; 178 of 205) in review the evening before a procedure (64%; 131 of 205). Time availability and attending of record were dominant factors influencing resident preparation, whereas case complexity was the most important variable motivating fellows. Surgical atlases, texts, anatomical references, and case discussion with attending staff were the most useful and available resources rated by trainees. Skills stations were recognized as the least valuable. Critical assessment of six educational resources identified no one particular area for improvement. Conclusions: There is a need for contemporary operative educational tools, incorporating time-sensitive and procedure-specific needs of surgical trainees preparing for oncological operative procedures. © 2004 The Society of Surgical Oncology, Inc.
Keywords: cancer surgery; surgical technique; united states; methodology; teaching; computer-assisted instruction; health survey; data base; oncology; health program; medical education; education; internship and residency; surgical training; medical society; medical oncology; medical practice; surgery; needs assessment; technique; skill; residency education; medical student; database; medical staff; teaching materials; databases; surgical education; recording; residents; humans; human; article; fellows; operative education
Journal Title: Annals of Surgical Oncology
Volume: 11
Issue: 2
ISSN: 1068-9265
Publisher: Springer  
Date Published: 2004-02-01
Start Page: 226
End Page: 232
Language: English
DOI: 10.1245/aso.2004.03.073
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 14761929
DOI/URL:
Notes: Ann. Surg. Oncol. -- Cited By (since 1996):2 -- Export Date: 16 June 2014 -- CODEN: ASONF -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Murray F Brennan
    1059 Brennan
  2. Margaret Shoup
    20 Shoup
  3. David P Jaques
    66 Jaques
  4. Daniel Coit
    542 Coit
  5. Larissa Temple
    193 Temple