Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026
Principles of Rodent Surgery for the New Surgeon
Published on: January 6, 2011
Practical training for postgraduate year 1 surgery residents
R L Marshall1, P J Gorman, D Verne
1Department of Surgery, Simulation Development and Cognitive Science Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Background:
Surgical interns accept significant patient care responsibilities with minimal orientation. We have developed a multifaceted training program for incoming surgical interns in which learning in a simulated environment plays a key role. The purpose of this study was to evaluate resident perceptions of simulated clinical calls as an educational modality and to measure the effect on self-ratings of confidence.
Methods:
A multidisciplinary team compiled 15 clinical scenarios. Simulated nurse-to-resident clinical call sessions were held on 3 separate days. Daily course evaluation surveys and identical precourse and postcourse confidence surveys were completed.
Results:
The resident confidence measure increased significantly postcourse (6.73 versus 8.35, P <0.03). The evaluation survey score averaged 4.35 out of 5.
Conclusions:
Simulated clinical call sessions were well received and resulted in a significant increase in resident confidence levels. Based on this modality's apparent efficacy and ease of implementation, we offer it as a useful educational tool for incoming postgraduate year-1 surgical residents.
