[Modular postgraduate training in surgery - a national concept with future]

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Curriculum Development

Background:

• Postgraduate training quality significantly influences young doctors' career choices and trainee satisfaction.
• Germany currently lacks a standardized surgical postgraduate training program with defined competency profiles.
• This study addresses the need for a structured national curriculum in surgical postgraduate education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development of a national modular, competency-based core curriculum for surgical postgraduate training in Germany.
• To present initial implementation experiences and evaluation data for this new curriculum.
• To assess participant satisfaction and acceptance of the developed training program.

Main Methods:

• Curriculum developed using the
• Kern-cycle
• framework and incorporating
• CanMEDS
• competencies.
• A
• blended learning
• approach combining modular attendance courses with online preparation.
• Didactics based on adult learning principles, emphasizing learner-centered, self-directed learning in small groups with feedback.
• Initial implementation phase evaluated through detailed assessment of the concept, content, and didactics.

Main Results:

• Seven of 12 planned attendance courses developed; 6 implemented, reaching 562 participants from various hospital levels.
• High participant satisfaction reported regarding content, didactic concept, course conditions, and trainer commitment.
• 80% of participants completed evaluations, indicating a positive reception of the blended learning approach and modular structure.

Conclusions:

• The implemented modular postgraduate training program demonstrates high acceptance among participants.
• The program's overall concept and the support from training supervisors are positively received.
• This competency-based curriculum provides a valuable framework for improving surgical postgraduate education in Germany.