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Surgical resident accuracy in predicting their ABSITE score.
LaShondria Simpson-Camp1, Edward A Meister2, Stephen Kavic3
1Department of Surgery, Hendrick Medical Center, Abilene, Texas, USA.
Summary
Surgical residents cannot accurately predict their American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) scores. Previous ABSITE performance is the most significant predictor of future scores.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Assessment
Background:
- The American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) is a critical assessment tool for surgical residents and programs.
- It serves as preparation for qualifying and certifying examinations administered by the American Board of Surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of surgical residents' self-predicted ABSITE scores.
- To determine the predictive value of pre-examination and immediate post-examination score predictions.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to general surgery residents (PGY 2-5) and research residents in November-December 2011 and January 2012.
- Thirty-one residents participated, with data collected on predicted and actual ABSITE scores.
Main Results:
- Residents consistently overestimated their ABSITE scores, with senior residents showing the highest variation.
- Linear regression revealed limited predictive significance for self-predictions, except for senior residents' November predictions.
- Previous year's ABSITE scores significantly predicted current year's scores (R(2) = 0.31).
Conclusions:
- General surgery residents demonstrate an inability to accurately predict their ABSITE performance.
- Prior year ABSITE scores are the strongest predictor of subsequent examination performance.
