The Surgical Trainee Perception of the Operating Room Educational Environment (2022)

Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
Rupani N.; Evans A.; *Iqbal M.

Citation:
British Journal of Surgery. Conference: ASiT Surgical Conference 2022. Aberdeen United Kingdom. 109(Supplement 6) (pp vi9-vi10), 2022. Date of Publication: September 2022

Abstract:
Aim: Limited hours and service provision are diminishing training opportunities for surgical trainees. It is therefore imperative to maximise each educational event in theatre. The Operating Room Educational Environment Measure (OREEM) evaluates each component of the theatre learning environment; however, it has not been validated in higher surgical trainees in England. We aim to validate the OREEM and evaluate surgical trainees' objective perspectives of the current operating room educational environment in one region. Method(s): Data was collected over one month from surgical trainees within Health Education Thames Valley using an online questionnaire consisting of: demographic data; the OREEM; a global satisfaction score. Result(s): 54 trainees participated. The OREEM had good internal consistency (alpha=0.906, variables=40) and unidimensionality. Mean OREEM score was 79.16%. Areas for improvement included better learning opportunities (72.9%) and pre/post-operative teaching (70.4%). Trainees were most satisfied with the level of supervision and workload (82.9%). No differences between gender (p=0.535) or hospital type (p=0.099) were demonstrated. The learning environment favoured senior trainees (p=0.017). There was a strong correlation between OREEM and the global satisfaction score (p<0.001). Conclusion(s): The OREEM was shown to be a reliable measure of the educational environment in theatre. It can be used to identify areas of improvement and as an audit tool. Suggested areas of improvement include facilitating pre- and post-operative teaching, reducing service provision, empowering trainees to plan lists, improving teamwork and using tools to optimise the educational value of each operation. There is a favourable attitude regarding the use of such improvement tools, especially for dissatisfied trainees.

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