Faculty perceptions of resident skills decay during dedicated research fellowships

Abstract

Background: Residents engaging in dedicated research experiences may return to clinical training with less surgical skill. The study aims were 1) to evaluate faculty perceptions of residents skills decay during dedicated research fellowships, and 2) to compare faculty and resident perceptions of residents skills decay.

Methods: Faculty and residents were surveyed on resident research practices and perceptions of resident skills decay.

Results: Faculty thought residents returning from research demonstrate less technical skill (Median = 4; 5-point Likert scale, 1 = Strongly disagree, 5 = Strongly agree), demonstrate less confidence (Median = 4), and require more instruction (Median = 4). Both faculty and residents perceived the largest skill reduction in complex procedures, technical surgical skills, and knowledge of procedure steps (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: While dedicated research experiences provide valuable academic experience, there is a cost to clinical skills retention and confidence specifically in the areas of complex operative procedures and technical surgical skills.

Keywords: Competency; Education; Skills decay; Surgery.