Evaluation of Operating Room Learning Environment for UAE Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents Using STEEM

The quality of the learning environment in the operating room (OR) is vital for the training of surgical residents. Tools with validity evidence exist to measure resident perceptions of the operative learning environment, yet to date no studies have assessed this environment for obstetrics and gynecology residency programs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

We explored perceptions of obstetrics and gynecology residents regarding their operative learning environment in 2 hospitals in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Our cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 using the validated Surgical Theater Educational Environmental Measure (STEEM) questionnaire for trainee assessments in the OR learning environment. The 4 STEEM subscales measure teaching and training, learning opportunities, overall atmosphere, and supervision, workload, and support, respectively. Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation were used to establish the internal consistence and reliability of the questionnaire. We calculated an overall score and compared scores between the 2 institutions using Student's t test.

Thirty-one residents completed the questionnaire (18 at Corniche Hospital and 13 at Al Ain Hospital). The overall average STEEM score was 142.1. The score for residents at Corniche Hospital was 134.9 and that for Al Ain Hospital was 152.2, with better overall scores on 3 STEEM domains at Al Ain Hospital.

Our study showed that obstetrics and gynecology residents in the UAE have a positive perception of their operative learning environment. We also identified areas for improvement.