Influence of programmed textbook review on American Board of Surgery In-service Examination scores

Documentation of academic achievement throughout training is an essential component to residency accreditation. Resident performance evaluations by attending staff provide good assessments of affective behavior and technical skills, but evaluation of surgical knowledge is often subjective in nature. The American Board of Surgery In-Service Examination has become the standard by which academic performance is measured. Numerous types of educational programs are used to increase the knowledge base of residents. Sporadic reading of a standard surgical text is a common part of many residency programs. In 1981, the Michigan State University/Butterworth Hospital General Surgery Residency opted to drop the surgical text reading in favor of a review of specific topics attuned to resident needs. Results of the 1982 American Board of Surgery (ABS) examination identified a significant decrease in percentile scores and average resident performance. A program requiring a systematic review of a standard surgical text was then initiated. This review involved assigned reading and administration of weekly examinations covering each assignment. Following institution of this program, a dramatic improvement in the total average scores for the entire resident group was noted. Similar improvement was noted in individual group scores (PG I, II, III, IV, and V). Results of this study indicate that reading of a standard surgical text should be a required part of each residency program.