Maximizing Learning in the Operating Room: Residents’ Perspectives

Abstract Background Few studies examine how residents can optimize their educational experience in the OR on their terms. This study aimed to examine residents’ perceptions of how learners can maximize their education in the OR. Method Using constructivist grounded theory methodology, the authors conducted focus groups with general surgery residents, PGY1-5, followed by semi-structured interviews with attending surgeons from a single, academic medical center. Constant comparison was used to identify themes and explore their relationships. Theoretical sampling was used until saturation was achieved. Results Residents and attendings participated. Two phases of OR learning were identified, intra-operative and inter-operative. Characters that made optimized learning included control, struggling, and reflection. Residents who practiced self-reflection with their experiences, and were able to articulate this awareness to attendings, felt the OR was an ideal learning environment. Attendings echoed similar findings. Conclusions  Providing residents with a method of maximizing OR learning is critical to postgraduate clinical education. Currently, observation passively morphs into active learning and eventually independent operating in the OR. However, residents who practice self-regulated learning, and are able to discuss their educational goals with attendings, seem to find the OR a better learning environment and progress to independence more quickly. This was echoed by practicing attendings. Providing residents with a generalizable, self-regulated learning framework specific to operative educational experiences could maximize learning potential and expedite resident progression in the OR.