Resident-Led Workplace-Based Assessment of Surgical Interns: Exploring Trained Resident-as-Assessor Experiences

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Assessment Methodology

Background:

• Residents-as-assessors (RAA) face challenges in workplace-based assessments (WBA) of surgical interns using direct observation of professional skills (DOPS).
• Effective assessor training is crucial for RAA competence and improving the learning experience for surgical interns.
• Training residents as assessors contributes to their professional development and enhances intern education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore resident assessors' experiences after structured training in leading workplace-based assessments of surgical interns.
• To understand the practical application of acquired assessment skills by resident assessors.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of training in enhancing resident assessors' roles and intern education.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative, exploratory study using Kolb's experiential learning cycle.
• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 residents before and after training workshops.
• Thematic analysis was employed to analyze data from residents participating in direct observation of professional skills (DOPS) for surgical interns.

Main Results:

• Six themes emerged: educational enhancement, practical implementation, reflective professional growth, conceptual development in assessment, integration of theory and practice, and challenges/coping strategies.
• Residents showed strong interest in assessor training to improve their effectiveness in direct observation of professional skills (DOPS).
• Experiential learning components and the integration of theory and practice were highly valued for professional growth.

Conclusions:

• Resident-led WBA training, incorporating Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory, enhances resident assessment skills and professional growth.
• Direct observation of professional skills (DOPS) is perceived to promote consistency and improve assessment quality, potentially enhancing patient care.
• This training model empowers residents to better assess interns, provide feedback, and contribute to their own professional development.