Effect of Process Changes in Surgical Training on Quantitative Outcomes From Surgery Residency Programs

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Competency-Based Education

Background:

• Surgical training programs are evolving with process changes.
• Evaluating the impact of these changes on core competencies and board certification is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review literature on process changes in surgical training.
• To assess their effects on Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Core Competencies, American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) scores, and American Board of Surgery (ABS) certification.

Main Methods:

• Literature search using MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed studies since 2003.
• Inclusion criteria focused on effects on ACGME Core Competencies, ABSITE scores, and ABS certification.

Main Results:

• 31 articles met inclusion criteria.
• Positive effects observed on patient care (5/31), medical knowledge (19/31), and ABSITE scores (6/31).
• ABS certification and other ACGME competencies were addressed in limited studies.

Conclusions:

• Process changes in surgical residency show promise for improving patient care, knowledge, and ABSITE performance.
• Further research is needed to evaluate impact on ABS certification and other quantitative outcomes.
• Evidence-based strategies are required to ensure residency program objectives are met.