Integrating Postoperative Feedback Into Workflow: Perceived Practices and Barriers

Abstract

Objective Previous studies have found that both resident and staff surgeons highly value post-operative feedback; and that such feedback has high educational value. However, little is known about how to consistently deliver this feedback. Our aim was to understand how often surgical residents should receive feedback and what barriers are preventing this from occurring. Design Surveys were distributed to residents and attending surgeons. Questions focused on the current frequency of post-operative feedback, desired frequency and methods of feedback, and perceived barriers. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, and text responses were examined using coding. Setting University-based general surgery department at a Midwestern institution Participants General surgery residents (n=23) and attending surgeons (n=22) participated in this study. Results Residents reported receiving and staff reported giving feedback for procedure specific performance after 25% versus 34% of cases, general technical feedback after 36% versus 32%, and non-technical performance after 17% versus 18%. Both perceived procedure-specific and general technical feedback should be given over 80% of the time, and non-technical feedback should happen for nearly 60% of cases. Verbal feedback immediately after the operation was rated as best practice. Both parties identified time, conflicting responsibilities, lack of privacy, and discomfort with giving and receiving meaningful feedback as barriers. Conclusions Both resident and staff surgeons agree that post-operative feedback is given far less often than it should. Future work should study intraoperative and post-operative feedback to validate resident and attending perceptions such that interventions to improve and facilitate this process can be developed.

Long‐term effects of perioperative briefing and debriefing on team climate: A mixed‐method evaluation study

“…The interviewees mentioned that they did not feel comfortable giving (constructive) feedback in the group. This is also in accordance with Nathwani et al, 31 who reported that surgical staff members highly valued postoperative feedback but also mentioned barriers to giving postoperative feedback such as lack of time and discomfort with giving feedback 31 . These barriers were also mentioned by our interviewees.…”

Are You Thinking What I'm Thinking? Exploring Response Process Validity Evidence for a Workplace-based Assessment for Operative Feedback

“…While faculty and residents agree on the importance of feedback, it remains challenging to integrate into daily clinical practice. 1,2 Workplace-based assessments (WBAs) are increasingly popular tools to aid surgical residents' progression toward operative competence. Although WBAs were designed to provide more frequent and timely feedback as a form of formative assessment, the validity evidence supporting the use of WBAs for this purpose is limited.…”