Surgical Innovation Discovery Course: Utilizing Surgical Trainee Agile Innovation and Empowerment (STAIR) Framework...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Innovation
• Healthcare Delivery Improvement

Background:

• Innovation education programs aim to guide surgeons and trainees in developing novel healthcare ideas.
• A significant challenge is creating accessible programs for busy surgical trainees.
• The Surgical Trainee Agile Innovation and empoweRment (STAIR) framework was developed using a needs assessment and lean principles to address this.
• Existing literature lacks frameworks specifically designed for surgical trainee innovation empowerment alongside clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically design and develop a novel agile framework for innovation and discovery tailored to surgical residents.
• To provide evidence supporting a framework that fosters innovation among surgical trainees.
• To complement the demands of clinical practice with innovation education.

Main Methods:

• An 8-week team-based innovation course was designed and implemented.
• The course is funded by the University of Michigan Department of Surgery.
• Surgical residents learned and applied fundamental innovation concepts to clinical problems.
• The course utilized the "Surgical Trainee Agile Innovation and empoweRment" (STAIR) framework.

Main Results:

• Surgical trainees from all programs at the institution were eligible.
• Four innovation teams were selected for the inaugural course.
• The course design successfully encouraged participation in innovation programming.
• Innovative ideas were developed, and interest in innovation was inspired among trainees.

Conclusions:

• The novel instructional design and development of the STAIR framework encouraged participation in surgical innovation.
• The course facilitated the development of innovative ideas and inspired trainees.
• The STAIR framework is effective in inspiring and facilitating innovation among surgical trainees, enhancing their professional experience.