Evaluating the Impact of an Orientation Program on General Surgery Junior Residents Using Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) Assessment Tool in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in India

The transition from internship to surgical residency is known to be stressful and marked by variable baseline competencies. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a structured 6-day surgical junior resident orientation program (SJROP) on cognitive, affective, and psychomotor competencies in first-year (PGY-1) general surgery residents. We hypothesized that trainee performance, as measured using a validated objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), would improve post-SJROP.

A prospective, interventional, single-group pre- and post-test design was used. The OSCE assessed competencies across cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains. Paired t-tests with Bonferroni correction were applied, and effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d.

This study was conducted in June to July 2022 at a tertiary-care academic teaching hospital in Mumbai, India. SJROP incorporated simulation-based training, case-based learning, and didactic sessions emphasizing clinical judgment, procedural skills, communication, and professionalism.

Twenty-one first-year (PGY-1) general surgery residents participated. All completed the pre- and post-SJROP OSCE assessments and provided informed consent.

Mean post-SJROP OSCE scores showed significant improvement in total performance (from 93.79 ± 9.56 to 131.88 ± 9.53; p < 0.001; d = 3.99). Gains were demonstrated across all domains: cognitive (+24.48; p = 0.030; d = 2.89), affective (+2.19; p < 0.001; d = 1.23), and psychomotor (+11.43; p < 0.001; d = 3.17). Participants reported strong perceived relevance to immediate clinical responsibilities.

The SJROP, as evaluated using a validated and domain-mapped OSCE, significantly improved preparedness among incoming surgical residents. This structured and replicable program effectively addresses early training competency gaps and supports a safer, more confident transition into residency.