J. R. Cherry-Bukowiec1, D. A. Machado-Aranda1, K. To1, K. Raghavendran1, M. J. Englesbe1, L. M. Napolitano1 1University Of Michigan,Surgery,Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Introduction:
The unpredictable and sometimes chaotic environment present in an Acute Care Surgery Services (Trauma, Burn, Surgical Critical Care, Non-Trauma Emergency Surgery) can cause high levels of anxiety and stress that could impact a medical students’ experience during their M3 surgical clerkship. This negative perception perhaps is a determinant influence in diverting talented students into other medical subspecialties. We sought out to objectively identify potential areas of improvement through direct feedback and implement programmatic changes to address these areas. We hypothesized that as the changes were made students perception of the rotation would improve.
Methods:
Review of end of clerkship M3 Trauma Burn Surgery Rotation evaluations and comments was performed for the 2010-2011 academic year. Trends in negative feedback were identified and categorized into 5 areas for improvement: Logistics, Student Expectations, Communication, Team Integration, and Feedback. (Table 1.) A plan was designed and implemented for each category. Feedback on improvements to the rotation was monitored via surveys and during monthly end of rotation face-to-face student feedback sessions with the rotation faculty facilitator and surgery clerkship director. Data was compiled and reviewed
Results:
Perceptions of the rotation markedly improved within the first month of the changes, and continued to improve over the study time frame (2011-2013) in all five categories. We also observed an increase in the number of students who rotated through the ACS service selecting a surgical residency in the NRMP Match from a low of 8% in 2009-2010 prior to any interventions, to 25% after full implementation of improvement measures in 2011-2012.
Conclusion:
A systematic approach using direct feedback from students to address service specific issues improves perceptions of students on the educational value of a busy Trauma –Burn Acute Care Surgery Service and may have a positive influence on students considering surgical careers to pursue a surgical specialty.
