The orthopedic surgery preparatory exam course: Measuring residents’ satisfaction and perceptions through video ethnomethodology and survey analysis

Abstract

Objectives: Orthopedic training in Saudi Arabia has changed how residents are assessed for their board examination. The new format uses scenario cases instead of real patients during the assessment. However, these changes were not received well by the residents. The Orthopedic Surgery Preparatory Exam Course is a 3-day training course designed specifically to address these concerns. This study investigated the effectiveness, perceptions, and satisfaction levels of the residents who took this course, emphasizing the video recording approach. Methods: A quantitative survey was designed by the research team and validated by experts. Edits were made after their feedback. Purposive sampling was used, and all 12 attendees of the course participated. All participants were 5th-year residents enrolled in the orthopedics residency training program in Saudi Arabia. A qualitative ethnomethodology analysis of video recordings for pre- and post-mock exams was also conducted. Results: The analysis demonstrated that participants were less anxious in the post-mock exam and showed improvement in their confidence and communication skills based on analysis of the assessed criteria such as eye contact, vocal projection, gestures, posture, and movement. The participants generally perceived the course useful in preparing for their board exam. Conclusion: The participants generally perceived the course to be useful in helping them to prepare for their board exam by familiarizing them with the exam environment. The participants reported the strength of the course as being able to provide a realistic simulated experience. On the other hand, the participants viewed the weakness of the course in its duration and generally requested more days to be added to the course. They were generally satisfied with the course helping them prepare for the board exam. It is recommended to incorporate the course as part of the residency training program curriculum.