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Comparative evaluation of educational methods in surgical resident education
1Department of Surgery, St Louis University, School of Medicine, MO.
Archives of Surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Independent study methods, like using textbooks and the Surgical Education and Self-Assessment Program (SESAP), significantly boost American Board of Surgery (ABS) exam performance. Review courses aid at-risk residents.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Assessment and Evaluation
Background:
- The American Board of Surgery (ABS) examination is critical for surgical residency completion.
- Understanding effective study methods is crucial for resident success on high-stakes examinations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of various educational methods on surgical resident performance on ABS examinations.
- To identify study strategies associated with higher ABS examination scores.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 54 surgical residents' performance on ABS examinations from 1976 to 1992.
- Correlation of examination scores with the use of educational methods (textbooks, Selected Readings, grand rounds, review courses, SESAP, etc.) during and after residency.
Main Results:
- Consistent high scorers on ABS exams frequently used textbooks early, Selected Readings later, and SESAP post-residency.
- Selected Readings, clinical review courses, and SESAP were associated with improved ABS In-Training Examination scores, particularly for residents initially scoring in the lower third.
Conclusions:
- Independent study methods are key predictors of success on the ABS examination.
- Formal surgical review courses can be beneficial for residents identified as at higher risk of examination failure.