Designing, implementing, and evaluating a basic surgical skills bootcamp: An effective approach to enhance competency in surgical residency training

Introduction

Recent technological advances have facilitated the development of new educational methods, such as simulation-based learning, in specialized bootcamps to enhance the learning of surgical residents. This study aimed to design, implement, and evaluate a basic surgical skills bootcamp for residents in general surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, and gynecology based on the learning gap in the current educational program.

Methods

This intervention study focused on the design, implementation, and evaluation of a basic surgical skills bootcamp in a simulated operating room for first-year surgical residents in general surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, and gynecology.

Results

The study resulted in the creation of a comprehensive course plan and the execution of a 6-day training program. Evaluation of educational outcomes confirmed high learner satisfaction, improvement in Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) exam scores, and acceptable scores in the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that surgical bootcamps, when designed based on needs assessment and in line with scientific bootcamp design principles, play a crucial role in enhancing the satisfaction, knowledge, and skills of surgical residents.