Video Coaching as an Efficient Teaching Method for Surgical Residents-A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Clinical Skills Development

Background:

• Decreasing operative exposure necessitates innovative surgical training methods.
• Experiential learning is crucial for ensuring surgical competency and patient safety.
• Surgical video coaching (SVC) is an emerging technique requiring further research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of SVC as a teaching intervention for surgical residents.
• To compare the technical skill improvement of residents receiving SVC versus a control group.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 28 general surgery residents.
• Residents performed two side-to-side intestinal anastomoses on cadaveric dog bowel.
• The intervention group received one-on-one video playback coaching and debriefing.

Main Results:

• The SVC group showed a significant increase in Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) scores (mean difference 3.36, p=0.007).
• The control group had minimal change in OSATS scores (mean difference 0.29, p=0.759).
• Residents found SVC to be a time-efficient teaching method.

Conclusions:

• Surgical video coaching is an effective and efficient intervention for improving residents' technical skills.
• SVC can enhance surgical competency and contribute to patient safety.
• This method addresses the need for novel training approaches in surgery.