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Sier VQ, Schmitz RF, Schepers A, van der Vorst JR. Exploring the surgical personality. Surgeon 2023; 21:1-7. [PMID: 35241372 DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Surgery is a demanding field, requiring determination and emotional stability. This review explores the surgical personality, addressing international personality differences between surgical and non-surgical specialties. Across the globe, surgically-interested individuals (i.e., medical students, residents, surgeons) generally scored higher on conscientiousness, open mindedness, and extraversion, and lower on neuroticism compared to non-surgically-interested contemporaries. Extraversion was inversely correlated to burnout in surgical residents and open mindedness to reduced competence in giving feedback. Although additional region- and/or country-specific research is warranted, being or becoming a surgeon appears to correlate to personality traits such as high conscientiousness and low neuroticism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Q Sier
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Roderick F Schmitz
- Department of Surgery, Groene Hart Hospital, 2800 BB, Gouda, the Netherlands.
| | - Abbey Schepers
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Joost R van der Vorst
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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2
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Surgical portfolios: A systematic scoping review. SURGERY IN PRACTICE AND SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sipas.2022.100107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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3
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Interactive online learning on perioperative management of elderly patients. Am J Surg 2018; 216:624-629. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2018.01.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Educational system based on the TAPP checklist improves the performance of novices: a multicenter randomized trial. Surg Endosc 2017; 32:2480-2487. [PMID: 29124407 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-017-5950-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite recent developments in surgical education, obstacles including inadequate budget, limited human resources, and a scarcity of time have limited its widespread adoption. To provide systematic training for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, we had previously developed and validated a checklist to evaluate the recorded performance of transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair. We had also developed an educational system that included didactic materials based on the TAPP checklist and incorporated remote evaluation and feedback system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the educational impact of the TAPP education system on novice surgeons. METHODS Residents and surgeons from participating hospitals, who had performed 0 or 1 TAPP procedure, were randomly assigned to the intervention group (IG), who trained using this new educational tool, and the control group (CG), who trained using the conventional system. Their surgical videos were rated by blinded raters. All participants performed their first case prior to randomization. The primary outcome was improvement of TAPP checklist score from the first to the third case. RESULTS Eighteen participants from 9 institutes were recruited for this study. Seven participants in the IG and 5 participants in the CG were included in the final analysis. The participants in the IG demonstrated significant improvement in their TAPP performance (p = 0.044) from their first case to their third case, whereas their counterparts in the CG failed to make any significant progress during the same period (p = 0.581). CONCLUSION The new TAPP educational system was effective in improving the TAPP performance of novice surgeons.
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Elsey EJ, Griffiths G, Humes DJ, West J. Meta-analysis of operative experiences of general surgery trainees during training. Br J Surg 2017; 104:22-33. [PMID: 28000937 DOI: 10.1002/bjs.10396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND General surgical training curricula around the world set defined operative numbers to be achieved before completion of training. However, there are few studies reporting total operative experience in training. This systematic review aimed to quantify the published global operative experience at completion of training in general surgery. METHODS Electronic databases were searched systematically for articles in any language relating to operative experience in trainees completing postgraduate general surgical training. Two reviewers independently assessed citations for inclusion using agreed criteria. Studies were assessed for quantitative data in addition to study design and purpose. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model of studies with appropriate data. RESULTS The search resulted in 1979 titles for review. Of these, 24 studies were eligible for inclusion in the review and data from five studies were used in the meta-analysis. Studies with published data of operative experience at completion of surgical training originated from the USA (19), UK (2), the Netherlands (1), Spain (1) and Thailand (1). Mean total operative experience in training varied from 783 procedures in Thailand to 1915 in the UK. Meta-analysis produced a mean pooled estimate of 1366 (95 per cent c.i. 1026 to 1707) procedures per trainee at completion of training. There was marked heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 99·6 per cent). CONCLUSION There is a lack of robust data describing the operative experiences of general surgical trainees outside the USA. The number of surgical procedures performed by general surgeons in training varies considerably across the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Elsey
- Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - G Griffiths
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK
| | - D J Humes
- Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Digestive Diseases Biomedical Research Unit, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - J West
- Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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de Santibañes M, de Santibañes E, Pekolj J. Training in hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery during residency: past, present and future perspectives. JOURNAL OF HEPATO-BILIARY-PANCREATIC SCIENCES 2016; 23:741-744. [PMID: 27766758 DOI: 10.1002/jhbp.403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The paradigm introduced by William Halsted for surgical residency training has been considered the most appropriate educational system to acquire the knowledge and surgical skills required to become a competent general surgeon. Hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery is considered an important part of general surgery training because of its high prevalence and complexity. Nowadays, we are faced with a worldwide shortage of general surgeons candidates, restrictive working hours and less surgical exposure, situations that can undermine the objectives of training in HPB surgery during residency. Moreover, new generations of resident graduates are concerned about their lack of preparedness for independence. We cannot escape from this reality and therefore it justifies a reflection in our HPB surgical world community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin de Santibañes
- Department of Surgery, Division of HPB Surgery, Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Juan D. Perón 4190, C1181ACH, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eduardo de Santibañes
- Department of Surgery, Division of HPB Surgery, Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Juan D. Perón 4190, C1181ACH, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan Pekolj
- Department of Surgery, Division of HPB Surgery, Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Juan D. Perón 4190, C1181ACH, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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7
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Where do we start? The first survey of surgical residency education in Japan. Am J Surg 2016; 211:405-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2015] [Revised: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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The future of UK/Irish surgery: A European solution. Int J Surg 2015; 23:165-8. [PMID: 26454163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2015.09.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 09/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The United Kingdom (UK) and Republic of Ireland (ROI) hospital systems are dependent on junior doctors for their functionality however it is increasingly difficult to recruit UK/ROI trained doctors to fill these posts. Directive 2005/36/EC, which came into force in 2007, is the principal European legislation on the recognition of equivalence of professional qualifications across Europe. European trained doctors are therefore attractive candidates for junior doctor posts. However, although their training is recognised as equivalent by the Irish Medical Council (IMC) and General Medical Council (GMC) they are not being appointed to equivalent posts by the Health Service Executive (HSE) or National Health Service (NHS). With the influence of European Union (EU) centralisation, modification of UK/ROI consultant grade is imminent, possibly to pyramidal structure of the Continental European model with clearer lines of corporate responsibility.
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Lases SSL, Arah OA, Pierik EGJMR, Heineman E, Lombarts MJMHK. Residents' engagement and empathy associated with their perception of faculty's teaching performance. World J Surg 2015; 38:2753-60. [PMID: 25008244 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-014-2687-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Faculty members rely on residents' feedback about their teaching performance. The influence of residents' characteristics on evaluations of faculty is relatively unexplored. We aimed to evaluate the levels of work engagement and empathy among residents and the association of both characteristics with their evaluation of the faculty's teaching performance. METHODS A multicenter questionnaire study among 271 surgery and gynecology residents was performed from September 2012 to February 2013. Residents' ratings of the faculty's teaching performance were collected using the system for evaluation of teaching quality (SETQ). Residents were also invited to fill out standardized measures of work engagement and empathy using the short Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy, respectively. Linear regression analysis using generalized estimating equations to evaluate the association of residents' engagement and empathy with residents' evaluations of teaching performance. RESULTS Overall, 204 (75.3 %) residents completed 1814 SETQ evaluations of 302 faculty, and 143 (52.8 %) and 140 (51.7 %) residents, respectively, completed the engagement and empathy measurements. The median scores of residents' engagement and empathy were 4.56 (scale 0-6) and 5.55 (scale 1-7), respectively. Higher levels of residents' engagement (regression coefficient b = 0.128; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.072-0.184; p < 0.001) and empathy (b = 0.113; 95 % CI 0.063-0.164; p < 0.001) were associated with higher faculty teaching performance scores. CONCLUSIONS Residents' engagement and empathy appear to be positively associated with their evaluation of the faculty's performance. A possible explanation is that residents who are more engaged and can understand and share others' perspectives stimulate and experience faculty's teaching better than others.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Lenny Lases
- Professional Performance Research Group, Center for Evidence-Based Education, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, PO Box 22660, Amsterdam, 1100, DD, The Netherlands,
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Impact of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) on the operative experience of surgery residents. Surgery 2015; 157:634-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2014.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Hopmans CJ, den Hoed PT, van der Laan L, van der Harst E, van der Elst M, Mannaerts GHH, Dawson I, Timman R, Wijnhoven BPL, IJzermans JNM. Assessment of surgery residents' operative skills in the operating theater using a modified Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS): a prospective multicenter study. Surgery 2014; 156:1078-88. [PMID: 25231747 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2014.04.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the implementation of competency-based curricula, Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) increasingly is being used for the assessment of operative skills. Although evidence for its usefulness has been demonstrated in experimental study designs, data supporting OSATS application in the operating room are limited. This study evaluates the validity and reliability of the OSATS instrument to assess the operative skills of surgery residents in the operating theater. METHODS Twenty-four residents were recruited from seven hospitals within a general surgical training region and classified equally into three groups according to postgraduate training year (PGY). Each resident had to perform five different types of operations. Surgical performance was measured using a modified OSATS consisting of three scales: Global Rating Scale, Overall Performance Scale, and Alphabetic Summary Scale. Validity and reliability metrics included construct validity (Kruskal-Wallis test) and internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α coefficient). Spearman's correlation coefficients were calculated to determine correlations between the different scales. RESULTS Eighteen residents (PGY 1-2 [n = 7]; PGY 3-4 [n = 8]; PGY 5-6 [n = 3]) performed 249 operations. Comparisons of the performance scores revealed that evidence for construct validity depended on the difficulty level of the selected procedures. For individual operations, internal consistency reliability of the Global Rating Scale ranged from 0.93 to 0.95. Scores on the different scales correlated strongly (r = 0.62-0.76, P < .001). CONCLUSION Assessment of operative skills in the operating theater using this modified OSATS instrument has the potential to establish learning curves, allowing adequate monitoring of residents' progress in achieving operative competence. The Alphabetic Summary Scale seems to be of additional value. Use of the Overall Performance Scale should be reconsidered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelis J Hopmans
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Imro Dawson
- Department of Surgery, IJsselland Hospital, Capelle aan den IJssel, The Netherlands
| | - Reinier Timman
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bas P L Wijnhoven
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan N M IJzermans
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Carlsen CG, Lindorff-Larsen K, Funch-Jensen P, Lund L, Morcke AM, Ipsen M, Charles P. Is current surgical training efficient? A national survey. JOURNAL OF SURGICAL EDUCATION 2014; 71:367-374. [PMID: 24797853 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2013.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/05/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Evaluation of surgical training in Denmark is competency based with no requirement for a specific number of procedures. This may affect monitoring of surgical progress adversely and cause an underestimation of the time needed to acquire surgical competencies. We investigated the number of common surgical procedures performed by trainees. Trainees' and consultants' expectations from the training program were also investigated. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS A questionnaire was sent to all 115 surgical trainees in Denmark. We asked how many common surgical procedures the trainees had performed during their postgraduate training, whether self-reported procedural confidence was achieved during their training, and whether their training expectations were met. Another questionnaire dealt with the consultants' expectations of the surgical training. RESULTS The total number of common surgical procedures (Lichtenstein hernia repair, appendectomy, laparoscopic appendectomy, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy) that were performed varied between trainees. One group performed few common procedures during training. A low number in 1 procedure correlated with a similar pattern in other procedures. Approximately one-third did not perform common elective procedures independently until their fifth year. Consultants and trainees viewed training differently. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals no common trend in the numbers and types of procedures performed during training. The number of procedures seems to reflect the individual trainee and a local tradition rather than the particular training program. An informal competency-based assessment system with lack of quantitative requirements evidently involves a risk of skewness in training.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen Lindorff-Larsen
- NordSim, Center for Skills Training and Simulation, Aalborg University Hospital, Center for Science and Innovation, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Peter Funch-Jensen
- Clinical Institute, Aarhus University, Skejby Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Lars Lund
- Department of Urology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anne Mette Morcke
- Centre of Medical Education, Aarhus University, Incuba Science Park, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | | | - Peder Charles
- Centre of Medical Education, Aarhus University, Incuba Science Park, Aarhus N, Denmark
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Hopmans CJ, den Hoed PT, Wallenburg I, van der Laan L, van der Harst E, van der Elst M, Mannaerts GHH, Dawson I, van Lanschot JJB, Ijzermans JNM. Surgeons' attitude toward a competency-based training and assessment program: results of a multicenter survey. JOURNAL OF SURGICAL EDUCATION 2013; 70:647-654. [PMID: 24016377 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2013.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Revised: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/28/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, most surgical training programs are focused on the development and evaluation of professional competencies. Also in the Netherlands, competency-based training and assessment programs were introduced to restructure postgraduate medical training. The current surgical residency program is based on the Canadian Medical Education Directives for Specialists (CanMEDS) competencies and uses assessment tools to evaluate residents' competence progression. In this study, we examined the attitude of surgical residents and attending surgeons toward a competency-based training and assessment program used to restructure general surgical training in the Netherlands in 2009. METHODS In 2011, all residents (n = 51) and attending surgeons (n = 108) in 1 training region, consisting of 7 hospitals, were surveyed. Participants were asked to rate the importance of the CanMEDS competencies and the suitability of the adopted assessment tools. Items were rated on a 5-point Likert scale and considered relevant when at least 80% of the respondents rated an item with a score of 4 or 5 (indicating a positive attitude). Reliability was evaluated by calculating the Cronbach's α, and the Mann-Whitney test was applied to assess differences between groups. RESULTS The response rate was 88% (n = 140). The CanMEDS framework demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.87). However, the importance of the competencies 'Manager' (78%) and 'Health Advocate' (70%) was undervalued. The assessment tools failed to achieve an acceptable reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.55), and individual tools were predominantly considered unsuitable for assessment. Exceptions were the tools 'in-training evaluation report' (91%) and 'objective structured assessment of technical skill' (82%). No significant differences were found between the residents and the attending surgeons. CONCLUSION This study has demonstrated that, 2 years after the reform of the general surgical residency program, residents and attending surgeons in a large training region in the Netherlands do not acknowledge the importance of all CanMEDS competencies and consider the assessment tools generally unsuitable for competence evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelis J Hopmans
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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[From historical all-rounder to modern specialists: surgical further education in Germany from 1994 to 2012]. Chirurg 2013; 84:970-7. [PMID: 23743992 DOI: 10.1007/s00104-013-2517-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Boerjan M, Bluyssen SJM, Bleichrodt RP, van Weel-Baumgarten EM, van Goor H. Work-related health complaints in surgical residents and the influence of social support and job-related autonomy. MEDICAL EDUCATION 2010; 44:835-44. [PMID: 20633223 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2923.2010.03724.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the influence of job-related autonomy and social support provided by consultants and colleagues on the stress-related health complaints of surgical residents in the Netherlands. METHODS All (n = 400) Dutch residents in training in general surgery were sent validated self-report questionnaires. Odds ratios were calculated predicting health and exposure to long-term stress for gender, number of working hours, type of hospital, level of social support, job-related autonomy and training phase. The interactions between job-related autonomy and level of social support provided by consultants and colleagues, and all variables, were analysed. RESULTS A total of 254 of 400 (64%) residents returned questionnaires that were eligible for analysis. Residents experienced more health complaints than the average member of the Dutch working population (4.0 versus 2.5; p = 0.000). Male and senior residents were significantly 'healthier' than female and junior residents, respectively. Social support by consultants was a strong predictor of health and social support by colleagues showed a significant interaction with gender. Women and residents in university hospitals experienced less social support by consultants than men and residents in general teaching hospitals. Residents working in university hospitals experienced lower levels of job-related autonomy and less support from colleagues in comparison with those working in general teaching hospitals. A working week of > 60 hours adversely affected health and job-related autonomy. CONCLUSIONS Social support provided by consultants and colleagues, and job control, are important factors that interact with the work-associated, stress-related health of residents in training in general surgery. Residents report a greater number of health complaints than the average member of the working population, especially female and junior residents. General teaching hospitals seem to provide better support at work than university hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine Boerjan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
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Embo MPC, Driessen EW, Valcke M, Van der Vleuten CPM. Assessment and feedback to facilitate self-directed learning in clinical practice of Midwifery students. MEDICAL TEACHER 2010; 32:e263-9. [PMID: 20653367 DOI: 10.3109/0142159x.2010.490281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical workplaces are hectic and dynamic learning environments, which require students to take charge of their own learning. Competency development during clinical internships is a continuous process that is facilitated and guided by feedback. Limited feedback, lack of supervision and problematic assessment of clinical competencies make the development of learning instruments to support self-directed learning necessary. AIMS To explore students' perceptions about a newly introduced integrated feedback and assessment instrument to support self-directed learning in clinical practice. Students collected feedback from clinical supervisors and wrote it on a competency-based format. This feedback was used for self-assessment, which had to be completed before the final assessment. METHODS Four focus group discussions were conducted with second and last year Midwifery students. Focus groups were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analysed in a thematic way using ATLAS.ti for qualitative data analysis. RESULTS The analysis of the transcripts suggested that integrating feedback and assessment supports participation and active involvement in learning by collecting, writing, asking, reading and rereading feedback. Under the condition of training and dedicated time, these learning activities stimulate reflection and facilitate the development of strategies for improvement. The integration supports self-assessment and formative assessment but the value for summative assessment is contested. The quality of feedback and empowerment by motivated supervisors are essential to maximise the learning effects. CONCLUSIONS The integrated Midwifery Assessment and Feedback Instrument is a valuable tool for supporting formative learning and assessment in clinical practice, but its effect on students' self-directed learning depends on the feedback and support from supervisors.
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