A national survey of educational resources utilized by the Resident and Associate Society of the American College of Surgeons membership

Abstract

Background: Contemporary surgical education includes online resources, mobile platform applications, and simulation training. The aim of this study was to characterize educational tools used by surgical residents.

Methods: An anonymous web-based survey was distributed to 9,913 members of the Resident and Associate Society of the American College of Surgeons.

Results: We received 773 completed surveys. To prepare for examinations and expand fund of knowledge, most respondents used printed textbooks, online textbooks, and Surgical Council on Resident Education modules, respectively. Respondents used online textbooks and journal articles most often to investigate timely patient care issues. In contrast, mobile platform applications and online videos/lectures were used least. Fewer than half of respondents used simulators, limited by clinical duties, absence of feedback/supervision, and lack of working supplies.

Conclusions: Traditional educational resources dominate trainee preferences, although utilization of the Surgical Council on Resident Education curriculum continues to grow. Simulators remain a required tool for laparoscopic training, and incorporation of structured feedback and improved supervision may improve utilization.

Keywords: Barriers; Graduate medical education; SCORE; Simulation; Surgical education; Surgical residency training.