The Merits of a Two-Day Evidence-Based Medicine Course for Surgical Residents

Over 10 years ago, we introduced a two-day, evidence-based surgery course for surgical residents. During the last 4 years, we evaluated its effect on the participants' evidence-based medicine (EBM) knowledge and skills.

Between 2012 and 2015, six courses were organised for residents of various surgical specialties of allied hospitals in the Amsterdam educational district. The courses covered the literature search, critical appraisal of surgical papers, and how to communicate and weigh the benefits and harms of surgical interventions. Proficiency regarding interpreting evidence was tested before and directly after the course using a modified Berlin questionnaire.

One hundred participants attended the courses, comprising residents in surgery (61 %), orthopaedics (16 %), urology (7 %), plastic surgery (7 %), and surgical PhD students (9 %), most of whom had already been taught EBM during their medical curriculum. Pre-course score levels were already fairly high (6.19 out of 10), but scores after the course were significantly higher (7.04); mean difference 0.85 (95 % confidence interval 0.4-1.3). No significant differences were observed among the surgical specialties. Attendees highly appreciated the course.

A two-day, evidence-based surgery course improved EBM aptitude of surgical residents. Hence, the course appears useful to refresh the EBM paradigm among future Dutch surgeons.