Resident satisfaction regarding surgical training programme in Eastern Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: The satisfaction of surgical residents with their training programs is a key indicator for program effectiveness. This survey was conducted to assess the level of perceived satisfaction of surgical residents with the current training programs in Eastern Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods: Resident satisfaction was measured by questionnaire in 119 selected participants at 9 training centers in Eastern Saudi Arabia, as part of the general surgery residency program of Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. Results: The survey response rate was 69.7% (83/119) resident participants. A total of 37 (44.6%) residents expressed dissatisfaction with their current training programs. The residents were least satisfied with research opportunities (78.3%), followed by faculty didactic involvement (59%), mentorship (51.8%), and case volume (41%) offered in their programs. Conclusion: The general low level of satisfaction among surgical residents in Eastern Saudi Arabia warrants a national review of the current programs. Resident satisfaction should be considered as a potent factor while conferring accreditation to surgical training programs across the country. Highlights:

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on residency and fellowship training programs in Saudi Arabia: A nationwide cross-sectional study

“…Moreover, the suspension of all deferrable surgeries, with the consequent reduction of daily operational procedures, further contributes to explain this finding [ 11 ]. To outwit this, technology, such as, video-conferencing [ 12 ] and e-learning platforms [ 13 , 14 ], can be used to deliver lectures or tutorials remotely via smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Faculty, residents, and fellows can then log in at designated times for discussions, which can be facilitated in real-time via teleconferencing applications.…”

“…As shown in our survey, trainees in Saudi Arabia had their share of this impact in various degrees, leading to mixed feelings and emotional disturbance. Mental illness, behavioral change, and emotional distress are all known to be caused by disaster events [ 14 , 15 ]. Trainee residents and fellows who are based in hospitals and who are in direct contact with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 are the most susceptible to get infected with the disease.…”

Satisfaction of Saudi Board Plastic Surgery Residents with the Training Program: A National Survey

“…The results of dissatisfaction found among residents in our study are in line with the Saudi Board general surgery program residents, as Aldossary et al have reported in a previous study. 4 Their study showed that 44.6% of the studied residents were dissatisfied with their training in the Saudi Board general surgery program. 4 Furthermore, Al Shanafey et al reported that 78% of the Saudi Board surgical residents were dissatisfied with their training as well.…”

“…Our study is a nationwide study that investigates the satisfaction level of Saudi Board of Plastic Surgery residents along with the predictors of their satisfaction. The study is the first to assess the satisfaction level of Saudi Board of Plastic Surgery residents since its establishment 4 Their study showed that 44.6% of the studied residents were dissatisfied with their training in the Saudi Board general surgery program. 4 Furthermore, Al Shanafey et al reported that 78% of the Saudi Board surgical residents were dissatisfied with their training as well.…”

“…3 Locally, Aldossary et al reported that 44.6% of general surgery trainees were not satisfied with their training. 4 Furthermore, they reported that the trainees were least satisfied with research opportunities, faculty didactic involvement, mentorship, and case volume offered. On the contrary, Altokhais et al reported that the pediatric surgery trainees were highly satisfied with the Saudi Board training.…”