The "teaching time-out": a novel framework for surgical education

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Safety
• Patient Care

Background:

• The World Health Organization surgical safety checklist has improved global surgical practices.
• The preoperative "pause" or "time-out" is crucial for reviewing case information and preventing errors.
• Canadian surgical trainees are adopting a competency-based medical education model emphasizing self-directed learning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a formalized preoperative pause for enhancing surgical trainee intraoperative learning.
• To align surgical education with competency-based medical education principles.

Main Methods:

• The study proposes a detailed and formalized preoperative pause protocol.
• This protocol aims to facilitate targeted intraoperative learning for surgical trainees.

Main Results:

• A formalized preoperative pause can optimize learning opportunities during surgery.
• It supports trainees in advocating for their learning goals within the operating room.

Conclusions:

• Implementing a detailed preoperative pause can significantly enhance surgical trainee education.
• This approach supports the principles of competency-based medical education and improves patient safety.