ORAL CLINICAL LONG CASE PRESENTATION, THE NEED FOR STANDARDIZATION AND DOCUMENTATION.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Clinical Assessment

Background:

• Oral presentation of the clinical long case is a critical skill in surgical training.
• Assessment is often subjective, influenced by examiners' preferences and varied understanding.
• Lack of standardized guidelines complicates evaluation and trainee feedback.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze differing opinions and misconceptions among surgical trainers regarding the oral presentation of the clinical long case.
• To provide a basis for improving the understanding and assessment of this crucial examination component.
• To address inconsistencies in evaluating residents and clinical students.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among surgeons and trainers during West African College of Surgeons fellowship examinations.
• Participants were drawn from 14 centers across Nigeria and Ghana.
• Eligibility required participants to be surgeons, trainers, and to complete all survey questions.

Main Results:

• Fifty percent (36/72) of returned questionnaires were analyzed, with respondents including examiners and professors.
• A significant portion (58.3%) were aware of the "5Cs" (history of presenting complaint) and traditional methods, yet 22.2% were unaware of distinct presentation styles.
• Many (30.6%) desired different presentation standards for postgraduates, often considered an "unwritten rule," with 47.2% teaching the "5Cs" despite not encountering it in literature.

Conclusions:

• Examiners hold diverse views on the expected format of oral presentations for the clinical long case in surgical fellowship examinations.
• These varying opinions directly impact expectations for residents and clinical students.
• Standardization and consensus on formal oral presentation requirements are essential to mitigate subjectivity and bias in assessments.