5 Slides in 5 Minutes: Incorporating CanMEDS Competencies on Acute Care Surgery

The University of British Columbia (UBC) Division of General Surgery developed an initiative entitled "5-in-5s" to improve educational opportunities on the Acute Care Surgery (ACS) service. We examined whether 5-in-5s are felt to be a valuable teaching tool, and evaluated their ability to incorporate CanMEDS competencies within the General Surgery program.

A web-based survey was distributed to all general surgery trainees and staff on ACS that have participated in 5-in-5s.

A total of 37 responses were collected (62% response rate). All respondents felt 5-in-5s were valuable overall. Four of the seven CanMEDS competencies were evaluated. About 100% felt their knowledge was positively impacted by presenting, and 80% by attending alone. About 71% of respondents agreed that 5-in5s provided opportunities for health advocacy, 50% for collaboration, and 36% for leadership.

We identified 5-in-5s as a valuable teaching method and a novel approach to integrate CanMEDS competencies into ACS training.