A real-time mobile web-based module promotes bidirectional feedback and improves evaluations of the surgery clerkship

Abstract

BackgroundWe implemented a real-time mobile web-based reporting module for students in our surgery clerkship and evaluated its effect on student satisfaction and perceived abuse. MethodsThird-year medical students in the surgery clerkship received surveys regarding intimidation, perceived abuse, satisfaction with clerkship resources, and interest in a surgical career. Survey data were analyzed to assess differences after implementing the mobile reporting system and to identify independent predictors of perceived abuse. ResultsWith the reporting module, students perceived less intimidation by residents (P < .001) and by faculty (P = .008), greater satisfaction reporting feedback (P < .001), and greater interest in surgical careers (P = .003). Perceived abuse decreased without reaching statistical significance (P = .331). High ratings of intimidation by faculty independently predicted perceived abuse (odds ratio = 1.3), and satisfaction with anonymous reporting was a negative predictor (odds ratio = .2). ConclusionsA mobile web-based system for real-time reporting fosters open communication and bidirectional feedback and promotes greater satisfaction with the surgery clerkship and interest in a surgical career.