The Whiteboard Time Out: A Novel Tool to Improve Resident Learning in the Operating Room

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Academic Medicine

Background:

• Traditional surgical education models are evolving.
• Optimal intraoperative learning strategies require definition.
• The "flipped classroom" model promotes student-centered learning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate the Whiteboard Time Out (WBTO) for resident-centered surgical education.
• To enhance intraoperative resident learning and attending teaching.
• To improve resident knowledge and communication of surgical steps.

Main Methods:

• The WBTO strategy was implemented in 19 operating rooms.
• Residents prepared case details preoperatively using a whiteboard.
• Pre- and post-implementation surveys (SEEQ) assessed satisfaction and learning outcomes.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant increase in overall SEEQ scores was observed post-WBTO implementation (p < 0.03 for residents, p < 0.02 for attendings).
• Residents found the WBTO an effective teaching method compared to the existing curriculum (p < 0.04).
• First-year residents (PGY1) completed the most whiteboards on average.

Conclusions:

• The Whiteboard Time Out is an effective tool for enhancing intraoperative surgical education.
• This flipped classroom approach increases resident engagement and learning.
• WBTO improves the quality of surgical teaching and resident knowledge transfer.