The Impact of a Structured ABSITE® Remediation Program on Resident Performance

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Assessment and Evaluation

Background:

• The American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE®) is crucial for assessing surgical resident progress.
• Underperformance on the ABSITE® necessitates targeted intervention strategies.
• Developing effective remediation programs is essential for resident development and program success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a structured remediation program on resident performance on the ABSITE®.
• To identify factors within the remediation program that correlate with improved ABSITE® scores.
• To assess the program's effectiveness in helping residents avoid ongoing remediation.

Main Methods:

• A mandatory remediation program was implemented for residents scoring below the 30th percentile or predetermined targets on the ABSITE®.
• The program included assigned question bank quizzes, individualized learning plans (ILPs) developed with faculty, and mock ABSITE® exams.
• Resident performance and question bank usage were compared to national ABSITE® medians.

Main Results:

• In the first year, 50% of residents in the remediation program improved their scores above the threshold; in the second year, 40% improved.
• Higher volume of practice questions, especially when completed gradually, correlated with greater score improvement.
• Mock ABSITE® scores showed significant correlation with actual ABSITE® performance in both study years.

Conclusions:

• A formalized ABSITE® remediation program can lead to improved resident performance.
• Structured support, including practice questions and mock exams, is valuable for addressing underperformance.
• The findings support the continued development and refinement of remediation strategies for surgical residents.