Journal of surgical education
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In response to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) mandated 80-hour workweek, the night float coverage model was one system created to comply with the work-hour restriction. However, concern has risen as to the operative case volume achieved with this model. The purpose of this study is to determine which system of call (night float vs traditional rotating call) provided the senior surgical resident with the greatest surgical case volume while in compliance with the 80-hour workweek. ⋯ Because of the work-hour restrictions, maximizing surgical education has become a necessity. With the various call systems used throughout general surgery programs, this study specifically compares a traditional 1-in-6 call schedule versus an NFS. Senior residents lost significant operative experience while operating under an NFS as compared with a TCS. Evidence suggests that the more hours spent by a chief resident during normal operative time elicits more operative experience.
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The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) work-hour restrictions have prompted many surgical training programs to adopt a night-float resident coverage system (NF). Dissatisfaction with NF prompted us to transition to a rotating junior resident call model (Q4) with 24-hour call shifts at the outset of the 2007-2008 academic year. We performed a prospective study to determine the influence of this transition on resident education, morale, and quality of life, as well as on ACGME work rule compliance and American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) scores. ⋯ Educational opportunities, compliance with ACGME work rules, and ABSITE scores can be preserved despite a transition from NF to Q4. Residents greatly prefer a rotating call schedule.
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The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of weekly didactic grand rounds presentations. ⋯ Approximately 40% of material presented at grand rounds was retained within a 9 month period. Although this number seems low, this information was recalled without preparation. Despite the preference for distinguished guest speakers, there was no significant additional gain in knowledge from their expertise. Presentations from senior residents were the most successful in conveying information.
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Residency programs have been forced to curtail many educational activities to comply with duty-hour restrictions. We describe an "after hours" educational program as a forum to provide small-group education customized for each training level to compliment our formal curriculum. ⋯ There is enthusiasm among faculty and trainees to provide small-group, level-specific educational programs outside of the hospital setting and the 80-hour workweek. Such a program is easily implemented, highly effective, and well received. This format has the added benefit of improving interaction between faculty and residents and increasing the camaraderie of a surgical training program.