Cognitive challenges of junior residents attempting to learn surgical skills by observing procedures

Surgical observation is an integral part of surgical training. Junior residents, who have limited understanding of the procedures being performed, use observation to gain an initial exposure to surgical techniques. This study explores the challenges junior residents face from a cognitive standpoint when they are observing surgery.

Four focus groups were conducted with 18 general surgery junior residents. Transcripts from these focus groups were analyzed using a qualitative interpretative approach and the findings were explored through the lenses of discovery learning and cognitive load theory.

Surgical observation is perceived by residents as a learning activity with rich potential. However, two main challenges were identified: directing their attention to the most pertinent element during observation and making sense of what is happening during procedures.

This study can inform strategies to help junior residents observe surgeries more efficiently to help make surgical observation a better learning experience.