Case logging habits among general surgery residents are discordant and inconsistent

Abstract

BackgroundGeneral surgery residents log operative case experience as “first assist” (FA) or “primary surgeon” (PS). This study will evaluate their quantitative and qualitative case log practices. MethodsModified Delphi technique was used to create a questionnaire and distributed online to institutions via the APDS. Descriptive analyses and example operative scenarios for resident case logging habits were ascertained. ResultsThere were 363 residents from university (60%) and non-university (40%) programs; 94% did not know the definition of primary surgeon. Over 50% stated they had been encouraged to log a case as surgeon that they did not feel was warranted. Only 4% felt the current logging system is “very accurate.” Given an operative scenario, residents varied how they chose to log the case. ConclusionGeneral surgery residents do not know the current definition of PS. Case logging should be an objective measure of resident operative exposure, but may actually be more complex than previously recognized.