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Near-Peer Coaching to Enhance Operative Learning: An Educational Innovation for Surgical Training
Alexander J Papachristos1,2, Elizabeth Molloy3, Juanita N Chui1
1From the Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Summary
Near-peer coaching in surgery training fostered psychological safety, enabling honest reflection and improving operative skills. This model enhanced trainee confidence and positively impacted the overall teaching culture.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Education
- Medical Training
- Operative Learning
Background:
- Surgical trainees face significant barriers to operative learning, including impression management.
- Maximizing operative learning is crucial in surgical education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design, implement, and evaluate a near-peer coaching model for general surgery training.
- To enhance operative learning and address barriers faced by trainees.
Main Methods:
- A 6-month prospective cohort study evaluated a trainee-led near-peer coaching model called SPICE (Set goals, Plan, Imagine, Comment and feedback, Evaluate and reflect).
- Semistructured interviews were conducted to gather trainee experiences.
Main Results:
- Near-peer coaching provided psychological safety, allowing trainees to openly discuss learning needs and insecurities.
- Participants reported improved operative performance, increased self-confidence, and better adaptability.
- The SPICE model facilitated learning conversations and negotiation of operative opportunities, positively influencing the teaching culture.
Conclusions:
- Near-peer coaching cultivates psychological safety, promoting authentic reflection and boosting trainee confidence.
- The SPICE model's benefits extended to consultant-trainee relationships, fostering entrustment and improving learning dynamics.
