Surgical residents’ approach to training: are elements of deliberate practice observed?

Abstract

Background: Research in the area of deliberate practice has consistently shown that intense, concentrated, goal-oriented practice in a focused domain, such as medicine, can improve both skill development and performance to attain a progressively higher standard of excellence. In theory, utilizing deliberate practice in a medical context could result in improved surgical training and in turn better patient outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of how surgical residents approach their training from the perspective of the surgical residents themselves and to explore if elements of deliberate practice are observed. Methods: Eight surgical trainees participated in one of two focus groups depending on their training level (five junior residents; three senior residents). With the exploratory nature of this research, a focus group methodology was utilized. Results: By employing both deductive and inductive thematic analysis techniques, three themes were extracted from the data: learning resources and strategies, role of a junior/senior, and approaching weaknesses. Conclusions: Although elements of deliberate practice were discussed, higher functioning is necessary to achieve performance excellence, leading to improved patient outcomes.