Feasibility and Perceived Usefulness of Using Head-Mounted Cameras for Resident Video Portfolios

There is limited guidance on how to longitudinally administer simulation materials or to incorporate video recordings into assessment portfolios of simulated surgical skills.

We launched a longitudinal weekly simulation curriculum for PGY1-PGY3 surgical residents based on the ACS/APDS Curriculum. Residents underwent monthly objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) while wearing head-mounted cameras. Videos of OSATS performance accrued into individual online video portfolios. Residents were surveyed about their attitudes toward video recording.

Twenty-seven general surgical residents participated, completing 161 OSATS encompassing 11 distinct skills and generating 258 videos of simulated skills performance. The overall survey response rate was 88%. Residents viewed the curriculum favorably overall, and 36.4% of residents accessed their videos. Of those who did not watch their videos, 78.6% cited not having enough time, whereas 28.6% did not think the videos would be useful. Over 95% of surveyed residents expressed interest in having a video library of attending-performed procedures, 59.1% were interested in having their own operations recorded, and 45.5% were interested in video-based coaching.

Residents viewed longitudinal administration of the ACS/APDS Curriculum positively. Although video recording in simulation is feasible, resident interest may be higher for intraoperative recordings than for simulated skills.