Coaching and Video Review for Surgical Practice Improvement

Abstract

Modern surgical education has evolved from the historical apprenticeship model into the current organized system of surgical education. The number of operative procedures and new technologies and methods continues to evolve for both the trainee and the established practicing surgeon. Current surgical education is based on the principle that a competently trained surgeon will continue to improve with experience. After the completion of a formal education during surgery residency, surgeons rely on self-directed learning, training workshops and conferences and simulation-based training to continue their education. The expectation is the individual surgeon will independently acquire this new knowledge and implement it into their clinical practice. There are a number of studies looking at different forms of surgical coaching in simulated settings for students, residents, and practicing surgeons. Peer coaching aims to improve performance whereas expert coaching allows for the development of a new skill or adoption of a new procedure. This process aims to complement the clinical experience and supplement intraoperative learning. Surgical coaching is an effective and efficient way to train surgical residents and continue the professional development of surgeons. Video-based coaching provides a way for continual improvement in both technical and nontechnical skills through ongoing performance evaluation and subsequent adjustment to clinical practice.