Systematic review of randomized controlled trials on the role of coaching in surgery to improve learner outcomes

Surgical coaching, with the goal of improving operative performance, has been introduced into residency and fellowship programs. This is the first systematic review on surgical coaching limited to randomized controlled trials. The objective of this review is to synthesize the existing evidence that addresses the following question: "What are the effects of surgical coaching to improve learner outcomes?"

A comprehensive literature search was performed through the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, ERIC, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The methodological quality of the selected randomized controlled trials was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing risk of bias.

Five randomized controlled trials were included in our final analysis. All five RCTs showed improvement in technical surgical performance after coaching. Two studies provided further evidence that skills were retained and one described the high satisfaction of learners. The risk of bias was low in 3 trials.

Surgical coaching is associated with high learner satisfaction and improvements of skills and knowledge. The current evidence for surgical coaching programs is overwhelmingly positive.