Whiteboard Time Out (WBTO) Improves Resident Operative Performance

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Resident Autonomy

Background:

• The Whiteboard Time Out (WBTO) is an educational tool designed to improve resident knowledge and attending teaching.
• Previous studies indicate residents and attendings find WBTO valuable and effective.
• The current study specifically evaluates WBTO's impact on resident autonomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of the Whiteboard Time Out (WBTO) on surgical resident autonomy.
• To determine if WBTO implementation correlates with improved resident performance scores.
• To investigate the relationship between WBTO ratings and operative autonomy.

Main Methods:

• The Whiteboard Time Out (WBTO) involves residents preparing case details (indications, steps, complications) discussed with attendings pre-operatively.
• Evaluations of WBTO and resident performance were completed independently by residents and attendings.
• The Firefly Lab platform tracked resident evaluations and progression over time.

Main Results:

• Residents were 1.5 times more likely to achieve the highest performance rating ('auto') after WBTO implementation (p < 0.001).
• Higher WBTO ratings correlated positively with increased levels of operative autonomy.
• The study was conducted at Maimonides Medical Center with general surgery residents and faculty.

Conclusions:

• The Whiteboard Time Out (WBTO) significantly enhances resident operative autonomy.
• Integrating WBTO into surgical education can improve faculty engagement and resident competency.
• WBTO accelerates the development of surgical skills and independence in residents.