Implemented Strategies to Address the Hidden Curriculum in Surgical Training: Opportunities for Change

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Hidden Curriculum Studies

Background:

• The hidden curriculum (HC) significantly influences surgical trainees' development.
• Understanding and addressing the HC is crucial for effective surgical education.
• Existing interventions often lack comprehensive evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize and evaluate interventions targeting the HC in surgical training.
• To identify key HC themes addressed by these interventions.
• To share effective strategies for educators to adopt.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review of 5 databases was conducted.
• Studies included interventions addressing the HC in surgical training with efficacy evaluation.
• Data extracted: surgical specialty, HC theme, solutions, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Nine studies met inclusion criteria, involving over 2300 trainees.
• Interventions focused on culture, professionalism, ethics, power dynamics, errors, and mistreatment.
• Most interventions increased trainee awareness and confidence; combined methods were more successful.

Conclusions:

• Explicitly addressing the HC with combined teaching methods enhances trainee awareness and confidence.
• Evidence quality is limited by small sample sizes and subjective outcomes.
• Future research should use objective measures and long-term follow-up for sustained cultural change.