In-service Training Research Articles

Restoring trust in vaccination through collective engagement with key populations in Eastern Europe

Abstract Issue/problem COVID-19 vaccination rates remained below 50% in Moldova, North Macedonia, and Serbia, especially among vulnerable populations like pregnant women and those with chronic diseases. This was strengthened by a lack of targeted communication and training for healthcare workers, and COVID-19 fatigue. Strategies to increase vaccine demand and confidence are a global priority, especially among vulnerable populations. Description of the solution From May 2022 to April 2024, the USAID MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity project employed behavior integration to design a social and behavior change strategy, centering on vaccination as a part of a healthy lifestyle. It was implemented through continuing medical education (CME) and community engagement (CE) workshops with vulnerable populations, supplemented by cross-country learning exchanges. The outcomes provide a framework for public health initiatives aimed at boosting vaccine uptake through innovative, behavior-based methods. Results 1,618 healthcare professionals, able to reach 2.5 to 4.8 million patients, received training in immunization, COVID-19 vaccines, and quality health service, and 99% indicated confidence in applying the knowledge. 265 CE workshops, engaging 4,079 patients, increased awareness and addressed concerns related to vaccination. Of 3,223 patients who were followed up, 47% reported setting an appointment with their doctor regarding vaccination, 27% discussed vaccination with their partners, and 7% proceeded to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Lessons Behavior Integration helped address key barriers to vaccination and informed the design of strategies (i.e. situating COVID-19 vaccination as part of a healthy lifestyle). Establishing trust with healthcare providers and patients through collective engagement improved health behaviors. Focusing on health as a wider priority helped re-establish the significance of vaccination as part of a healthy lifestyle. Key messages • Behavior science and behavior integration helped identify and address barriers, as well as design tailored interventions to improve vaccination demand and confidence. • Collective engagement, focused on integration of COVID-19 vaccination as part of a healthy lifestyle, achieved results through addressing vaccine hesitance from both sides of the equation.

Strengthening Tahsinul Qur'an with the Iqro' Method in Improving the Quality of Al-Qur'an Reading of Prospective Young Teachers and Students at TPQ Masyiatullah

The phenomenon of the problem of the ability to read the Qur'an fluently and in accordance with the rules of tajwid has recently attracted much interest from researchers. This reality was also found by the author at TPQ Masiatullah NW Pringgbaya, Belawong Lauk Hamlet, East Lombok, that female students still have minimal reading skills in fluency in reading the Qur'an and the application of tajwid knowledge in reading the Qur'an which is caused by the lack of teaching methods brought by the educator. Through the community service program, mentoring and training methods are used. The result is that mentoring and training have contributed to the ability to understand and technique in terms of how to read the Qur'an fluently and in accordance with the science of tajwid for Prospective Young Teachers and female students.

Analysis of Mathematics Performance Trends in Certificate of Secondary Education Examination, Tanzania, from 2015–2022: A projection for eight years

Mathematics is essential to life as everyone uses mathematical concepts daily. Many countries have advanced in science and technology by investing in mathematics. This study aimed to determine the trend of students who sat for the Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (CSEE) in mathematics from 2015 to 2022; analyse performance trends in mathematics during this period, examine mathematics failure rate trends, and project pass rates in mathematics for the next eight years, from 2023 to 2030. This study employed a quantitative research approach and an ex-post facto research design. Participants were 4,459,009 students who sat for CSEE from 2015–2022. Analysis from the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26.0 revealed a consistent rise in student enrollment, with 136,481 more students by 2022. The pass rate was low, as the maximum was 20.12%, while failure rates consistently exceeded 78%. The findings indicated further that the pass rates would remain low from 2023 to 2030. The study recommends reviewing secondary school mathematics curriculum, increasing teaching and learning materials, providing regular in-service training in innovative pedagogical practices and assessment, and hiring more mathematics teachers in secondary schools.

Being a nurse during an earthquake that affected ten provinces: A qualitative study on experiences and expectations.

This study was conducted to determine the professional experiences and future expectations of nurses working in the most damaged areas during the first two weeks of the 2023 Turkey earthquake. The increase in the frequency and severity of disasters in recent years has strongly shown that nurses must be prepared to respond to all disasters. To prepare for disasters that require a multifaceted approach, the experiences of nurses serving in disasters should not be ignored. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used in this research. The study included 18 nurses who worked in the first two weeks of the disaster. Data were collected through semistructured in-depth interviews between April and May 2023. Four themes were identified from the analysis of the data: (1) personal challenges, (2) organizational challenges, (3) nursing during the disaster, and (4) expectations. The results showed that nurses needed psychosocial support intervention skills in disasters and that their psychological preparation and knowledge levels for disasters were insufficient. In addition, the study revealed that organizational preparation was inadequate and that all these factors affected nursing care. The knowledge and skills that nurses need for professional disaster management can be provided by updating undergraduate education, in-service training procedures, and related policies. Considering that ideal disaster management is possible with a multidisciplinary team, it is recommended that national disaster policies be reviewed.

Midwives’ experiences regarding recordkeeping during intrapartum care in Limpopo Province healthcare facilities

Background: South Africa has experienced an increase in litigations because of poor recordkeeping. The quality of maternal healthcare necessitates quality recordkeeping. All midwives’ interventions should be documented in the maternity case record as an instrument to highlight the quality of intrapartum care offered.Objectives: The purpose of the study was to determine and describe the experiences of midwives regarding recordkeeping during intrapartum care in Limpopo province and to make recommendations to improve recordkeeping.Method: A qualitative, explorative and descriptive design was adopted. Midwives were selected purposively to participate in focus group discussions. Data were thematically analysed with the help of the independent transcriptionist and coder.Results: The findings revealed the themes: perceptions of midwives regarding recordkeeping and the challenges and enablers that influence recordkeeping during intrapartum care.Conclusion: Quality recordkeeping requires timely, detailed, comprehensive and accurate recording. The study recommended the availability of updated guidelines, in-service training, monitoring and evaluation of recordkeeping, peer review, record auditing, proper time management among midwives and appointment of staff in line with the staffing needs of the unit to enhance recordkeeping.Contribution: Quality recordkeeping has a positive impact on the provision of quality healthcare to mothers during intrapartum care and reduces litigations related to maternity cases.

Innovation and Development of Talent Management Model in Colleges and Universities Under the Background of Digitalization

The vigorous development of the digital economy has put forward new and higher requirements for talent training in colleges and universities. In order to cultivate outstanding talents in the new era with both interdisciplinary knowledge application ability and innovative thinking, colleges and universities must keep up with the pace of the development of the digital era, from macro to local, comprehensive innovation of talent management mode, and lead the development with innovation. Only in this way can they flexibly respond to various challenges and opportunities under the digital background, and help colleges and universities achieve the goal of long-term development. Based on the current situation of talent management in colleges and universities, this paper elaborates the feasible path of innovation and development of talent management mode in colleges and universities under the background of digitalization from the perspectives of talent training and talent service. At the same time, the exposed data security and privacy protection issues are also discussed in depth. To contribute to the realization of the goals of refinement, individuation, and intelligence of talent management in colleges and universities through the research and related exposition.

Nurses’ perceptions regarding the establishment of clinical education and training units in public hospitals in the North-West Province: a qualitative study

BackgroundA Clinical Education and Training Unit is defined as a unit in which the clinical orientation, teaching, learning, and assessment, mentoring and support of student nurses are coordinated to achieve the outcomes of their learning programmes in the health establishment. In South Africa, Clinical Education and Training Unit was developed to reconstruct and revitalise nursing education and training. The clinical education is crucial to enable nursing students to put what they learn in the classroom into practice as they direct patient care, practise therapeutic communication, hone technical skills, demonstrate caring behaviours, investigate ethical dilemmas, and take on the roles of nurses. The clinical teaching unit is one of the models that show potential in advancing clinical education. Since the proposed clinical education and teaching model concluded that Clinical Education and Training Units should be established in 2012, to the researcher’s knowledge, no research study has been conducted to explore and describe the nurses’ perceptions regarding the establishment of Clinical Education and Training Units, particularly in the North-West Province. This has resulted in the scarcity of literature on their perceptions. Thus, the researcher believed that it was essential to explore and describe the perceptions of professional nurses regarding the establishment of Clinical Education and Training Units in the North-West Province of South Africa, so that their perceptions may be known and understood.AimThe study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions of professional nurses regarding the establishment of Clinical Education and Training Units in public hospitals in the North-West Province.MethodsA qualitative-exploratory-descriptive and contextual research design was used. This method was used because it is known to unearth a wide range of views, opinions, thoughts, and feelings of the participants thus enabling a deeper understanding concerning perceptions of professional nurses regarding the establishment of Clinical Education and Training Units at the hospitals of interest. Participants were recruited using pamphlets and flyers. A non-probability convenience and purposive sampling techniques were used to select participants based on an inclusion criterion. From 09 September 2023 to 07 December 2023, the researcher used face-to-face group discussions to collect data and it was analysed using six steps of inductive thematic data analysis as outlined by Braun and Clarke.ResultsFour focus groups discussions were conducted with a total of 19 participants who were professional nurses. Responses were categorised into three domains: advantages of the Clinical Education and Training Unit, challenges of the Clinical Education and Training Unit, and recommendations for the Clinical Education and Training Unit. Subsequently, a total of three main themes with eight sub-themes were determined for advantages of the Clinical Education and Training Unit, two themes with six subthemes for challenges of the Clinical Education and Training Unit, and one theme with two sub-themes for recommendations for the Clinical Education and Training Unit respectively.ConclusionThe need to establish functional Clinical Education and Training Units is therefore very important not only to student nurses but also to health care professionals. Most of the participants emphasised that if Clinical Education and Training Units were fully established they would be beneficial in developing health care professionals, especially in terms of in-service training where nursing standards are emphasised as outlined by the South African Nursing Council. The research study results might contribute to the full establishment of CETUs in the hospitals of the North- West Province, South Africa.Trial registrationnot applicable to the study.

Evaluation of Strategic Planning Practices of Managers in Primary Education Institutions

Purpose. Rapid changes that have affected the world from past to present have caused educational institutions to change in order to keep up with the times and raise people for the future. It has become important for educational institutions to turn to new approaches in order to keep up with the changes taking place, to overcome the problems they will encounter and to chart their future. What strategic planning, one of these approaches, can do in educational institutions has become more and more important day by day. One of the important factors in the applicability of strategic planning in educational institutions is the closeness of school administration and teachers to this concept. In this study, the strategic planning practices of administrators and teachers in primary education institutions in the Mesarya rural area, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will be aimed and evaluated in order to shed light on the knowledge level of administrators and teachers in the country's educational institutions about strategic planning, whether they carry out these plans in their schools, and similar questions. Methodology. In this regard, in order to achieve the intended goal, semi-structured interview questions were prepared, and the collected data was finalized based on expert opinions and a pilot application. As a sample, 5 administrators and 5 teachers in the Meserya rural area of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus were selected, and content analysis was conducted based on the data collected through face-to-face interviews. Result. As a result of the research, it was underlined that the administrators and teachers mostly did not make strategic planning in the schools where they worked. In light of the results, it is recommended that administrators and teachers who lack knowledge on this subject receive in-service training. Conclusion. This study afforded us the opportunity to assess the perspectives, knowledge, and experiences of principals and teachers working in primary schools in the rural Mesarya region of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus regarding strategic planning in education.

Unsupervised domain adaptation for drive-by condition monitoring of multiple railway tracks

Monitoring railway tracks through drive-by vibration data collected by in-service trains offers a cost-effective and adaptable solution for inspecting multiple railway lines. However, numerous existing drive-by monitoring methods rely on supervised learning models, necessitating extensive labelled data for each line. In this paper, a novel framework is proposed based on Unsupervised Domain Adaptation (UDA) concept which facilitates the transfer of a geometric defects diagnosis model learned from one line to a new line without the need for any labelled data from the new line. The proposed framework learns the dynamic-based features that are sensitive to damage and also invariant to different railway tracks. It comprises three components: data pre-processing, UDA implementation, and damage diagnosis. The framework uses the data from the source domain, including corresponding labels, as well as the unlabelled data from the target domain as input. The outputs of the framework consist of the predicted labels for the target domain. The performance of the proposed framework is evaluated using a comprehensive dataset of field measurements of a high-speed train passing 4 different lines within the French high-speed rail network. The proposed UDA framework is implemented using four common UDA algorithms including Information-Theoretical Learning (ITL), Geodesic Flow Kernel (GFK), Transfer Component Analysis (TCA), and Subspace Alignment (SA). The results show that the proposed framework has a 14% increase in the anomaly detection accuracy compared to traditional unsupervised learning methods in which UDA is not used. Furthermore, this study investigates the impact of incorporating a percentage of target data labels during training (semi-supervised domain adaptation), along with various sensor layouts and different tuning parameters, on the accuracy of the proposed approach. The results show that the proposed framework can significantly facilitate the monitoring of railway track conditions using the data collected by in-service trains which could be great interest of railway owners.

Technological Innovation in International Training and Advancing Health Services: Two Cases During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT Beginning in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic limited onsite international activities and challenged us to plan and implement new ways of collaboration. We reviewed our online trials during a three-year period to better understand how to use digital technologies to continue knowledge and skills transfer. In this cross-national case study, we compare two illustrative cases: Japanese experts training Indonesian health professionals for participatory school health education, and Swiss experts training Malagasy health providers for respectful obstetric and newborn emergencies. We first describe our cases, referring to Vargo’s framework for summarizing reports on digital technology usage. Second, we draw commonalities between the two cases. Third, gleaned from these experiences during the pandemic, we offer a practical framework for efficient and effective international collaboration using new technologies. For both cases, basic digital technologies, such as online meetings and e-mailing, were used and training sessions were successfully conducted. Trusting relationships between the training and participant groups were in place before the pandemic. This led to enthusiasm for continuing learning even after the pandemic started. Our case comparison presents the usefulness of digital technologies for continuing international collaboration and highlights the importance of human factors, such as trusting relationships and enthusiasm to pursue a shared goal, as the basic condition for success.

The effect of posture regulation training on musculoskeletal disorders, fatigue level and job performance in intensive care nurses

BackgroundIntensive care units (ICUs) are one of the high-risk working areas in terms of musculoskeletal disability and ergonomic risks including the environment and posture factors. Correct posture technique is often ignored by nurses working in these units. This study was conducted to determine the effect of posture regulation training on work-related musculoskeletal disorders, fatigue level and job performance in nurses working in ICUs.MethodsThis quasi-experimental study with one-group pretest-posttest design included 64 intensive care nurses. The nurses received posture regulation training in three different sessions. The post-test was administered four months after the posture regulation training.ResultsThe nurses reported to frequently have aches, pains and discomfort in the neck, upper back and lumbar regions. After the posture regulation training, their level of pain, ache and discomfort in the neck, right and left shoulder, upper back, lower back and right/left foot areas decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The posture regulation training reduced the levels of behavior/severity and affect, which are sub-dimensions of fatigue, and increased the level of contribution to work, which is a sub-dimension of job performance (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe posture regulation training decreased the level of symptoms in the neck, shoulder, upper back, lower back and foot regions of intensive care nurses and partially improved their fatigue level and job performance. Therefore, posture regulation training should be added to in-service training programs and permanent measures should be taken for ergonomic risks in ICUs.

The role of physical and social environments on the loyalty toward urban rail services: A consideration of stations and onboard

Although urban train services have been introduced in various developing countries, ridership for this mode of public transport (PT) remains low. In response, urban planning authorities are seeking ways to boost passenger loyalty to these services. However, the existing literature has scarcely examined the role of physical and social environments in fostering passenger loyalty. Additionally, how loyalty is developed throughout the passenger experience - both at stations and onboard - remains unclear. Addressing this gap, the current study develops a model based on the 'service quality-satisfaction-behavioural intentions' paradigm and the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) model to examine how the physical and social environments, both at rail stations and onboard trains, impact passenger loyalty in the context of urban train services. Additionally, this study validates the multi-dimensionality of physical environments and social environments in this context. Data collected from urban rail passengers in Hanoi, Vietnam is analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that the physical and social environments onboard trains significantly influence loyalty towards the urban train services, while the environments at stations do not have the same impact. Furthermore, both satisfaction at stations and onboard trains significantly affect the loyalty, though the influence of satisfaction with the onboard experience is much stronger than that of satisfaction with the stations. Practically, the findings assist PT authorities in evaluating existing systems and devising future PT development strategies. Also, the study informs PT providers of ways to improve passenger satisfaction and loyalty.

Evaluating the Performance of ChatGPT, Gemini, and Bing Compared with Resident Surgeons in the Otorhinolaryngology In-service Training Examination.

Large language models (LLMs) are used in various fields for their ability to produce human-like text. They are particularly useful in medical education, aiding clinical management skills and exam preparation for residents. To evaluate and compare the performance of ChatGPT (GPT-4), Gemini, and Bing with each other and with otorhinolaryngology residents in answering in-service training exam questions and provide insights into the usefulness of these models in medical education and healthcare. Eight otorhinolaryngology in-service training exams were used for comparison. 316 questions were prepared from the Resident Training Textbook of the Turkish Society of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. These questions were presented to the three artificial intelligence models. The exam results were evaluated to determine the accuracy of both models and residents. GPT-4 achieved the highest accuracy among the LLMs at 54.75% (GPT-4 vs. Gemini p=0.002, GPT-4 vs. Bing p<0.001), followed by Gemini at 40.50% and Bing at 37.00% (Gemini vs. Bing p=0.327). However, senior residents outperformed all LLMs and other residents with an accuracy rate of 75.5% (p<0.001). The LLMs could only compete with junior residents. GPT- 4 and Gemini performed similarly to juniors, whose accuracy level was 46.90% (p=0.058 and p=0.120, respectively). However, juniors still outperformed Bing (p=0.019). The LLMs currently have limitations in achieving the same medical accuracy as senior and mid-level residents. However, they outperform in specific subspecialties, indicating the potential usefulness in certain medical fields.

Statistical models for classification by handedness of Olympic Trap shooters in digital training services and remote coaching

AbstractIn this paper, we address the problem of classification by handedness of Olympic Trap shooters applying statistical methods to newly available data gathered from the field. We assess the performance of binary classification models based on KNN and Binary Regression, with both symmetric and asymmetric link functions, in a context characterized by unbalanced data. Our results show promising classification performance, suitable for first non-critical applications in data driven training services and remote coaching, encouraging further future research.

Survey of GP registrars' training experience and confidence in managing children and adolescents with mental health conditions in primary care.

The aim of thisstudy is to assess General Practitioner (GP) trainees' training experience, and confidence in assessing and managing children and adolescents with common mental health conditions in primary care in Ireland. An online anonymous questionnaire was distributed to third and fourth year GP registrars enrolled in the Irish College of General Practitioners training schemes. The online questionnaire evaluated participants' training experiences and confidence levels in key areas of child and adolescent mental health in primary care. Sixty participants completed the survey out of 406, yielding a response rate of 14.8%. The majority (88%) reported no formal training or experience working in Child and Adolescent Mental Healthcare Services (CAMHS) during their GP training scheme. Responses indicated that many participants rated their competency, skills, and knowledge in essential areas of Child and Adolescent Mental Health as needing improvement. Similarly, their awareness of referral pathways and specialty services was below expectations, with poor perceived access to services. A large proportion (91.7%) expressed a definite need for further training in child and adolescent mental health disorders. The results highlight the need for enhanced training and support for GP trainees in the field of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, ensuring their ability to effectively and confidently address these common issues in primary care.

Health Workers' Attitudes Toward Adverse Gender Norms and Implications for Young People's Sexual and Reproductive Health in Nigeria.

Adverse gender norms within the health care system are detrimental to the sexual and reproductive health of young people. This study assessed the attitudes of health workers toward adverse gender norms related to intimate partner relationships across three domains: intimate partner violence (IPV); sexuality; and reproductive health behavior. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted among 255 health workers in youth-friendly primary health centers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Attitudes to gender norm statements were assessed on a 3-point scale of agree (3 points), partially agree (2 points), and disagree (1 point). Mean attitude scores were estimated for each statement and the predictors of attitudes were determined through multiple linear regression analysis with p-value set at .05. Majority of the health workers held gender biases regarding male control over sexual decision-making, men's higher desire and value for sex, and the woman's responsibility to prevent pregnancy. Over 40% of the respondents associated women carrying condoms with promiscuity, and 39.6% believed that only men have the "social" rights to purchase condoms. Urban residence predicted health workers' attitudes to adverse gender norms related to sexuality (β = -.179, p = .003). Findings from this study provide a basis for in-service training programs that are designed to change the attitudes of health workers to adverse gender norms and transform their practices.

The Prevalent Parenting Styles of Gifted Students at Ajloun Governorate

Parenting styles of gifted students have a crucial role in shaping their educational and psychological experiences. Gifted children often possess skills and abilities that surpass their peers, which require special educational needs. Parenting styles vary from continuous support to fostering independence, impacting how these children develop their skills and potential. In this context, it is important to understand how parents and educators can work together to provide a learning environment that enhances the abilities of these students and helps them face the challenges they may encounter. This study examined the prevalent parenting styles of gifted students at Ajloun Governorate. The population and sample included all students learning at King Abdullah II School of Excellence at Ajloun Governorate, totaling (359) students. For data collection, the researchers employed the descriptive analytical design, by using a (32) items parenting styles scale distributing on four domains (Acceptance and attention, democracy, encouragement and reward, overprotection). The results found a high level of the prevalent parenting styles of gifted students; encouragement and reward ranked first (M = 4.25) with a very high level; then acceptance and attention with a high level (M = 4.18); democracy (M = 4.01) with a high level; and finally, overprotection (M = 2.52) with a low level. The study also found no statistically significant differences in the prevalent parenting styles of gifted students due to gender in all domains. The study recommended providing more counseling and training services for gifted students parents in order to develop their positive perception concerning the importance of the prevalent parenting styles and their effect on their gifted children.

Head teachers’ pedagogical leadership strategies in supporting children’s transition from pre-primary to primary school in Tanzania

This study explored strategies to support children's transition from pre-primary to primary school. It employed a case study design, and semi-structured interviews were administered to nine head teachers and nine pre-primary school teachers from nine public primary schools in Mpwapwa and Chemba District, Tanzania. The collected data were subjected to content analysis. The study’s findings revealed that the provision of teaching and learning resources, stakeholder or community engagement, teacher motivation, a supportive school culture, and learning follow-up are essential pedagogical leadership strategies employed by head teachers to support children's transition from pre-primary to primary school. The study recommends the implementation of pre-headship training programmes and in-service training on Early Childhood Education (ECE) management for head teachers, as well as the provision of increased budgetary allocations for pre-primary education. Since this study was conducted in the pre-primary educational aspect, the study also recommends conducting further research on other aspects of school readiness in an attempt to enable children to easily navigate the transition process into the education system.

Measuring Teachers’ Motivation Toward Professional Development through Integration of Mobile Technology

The integration of technology in teacher training is an integral part of motivation in the 21st century. The integration of mobile technology in teacher training and professional development can bring about a meaningful change in their career. This study examines how, in the academic environment of Sindh, Pakistan, in-service training sessions contribute to the professional skill development and motivation of instructors. The study has two primary aims. The first involved examining how teacher training programs affected instructors’ willingness to continue in the classroom and to enroll in training programs. The second involved examining how these sessions affected teachers’ ability to advance their careers and develop their confidence and self-efficacy. Data for the study were gathered using a survey research approach. To gather information from 450 teachers in Sindh, Pakistan—both private and public—a structured questionnaire was created. The information gathered from the survey was examined using statistical analysis. The study’s findings demonstrate that in-service teachers are not as motivated or proficient in their professional development as they should be by training sessions through the integration of mobile technology. The main motivators for the instructors to attend these workshops are their financial and social advantages. According to the study, several essential elements of successful teacher preparation are absent from these in-service training sessions. As a result, the study suggests that training programs abandon their conventional methods and modernize to better meet the demands of teachers today through the use of technology, which most teachers avoid using. More than merely formal meetings, training sessions should be scheduled to prepare instructors for actual learning objectives. Future academics of teacher training programs may find value in the study’s conclusions with the application of mobile technology by providing appropriate pre-training sessions for the use of technology.

Resident performance and program perception following merger of surgical residencies

PurposeThe primary objective of this study was to gauge resident and faculty sentiments surrounding a general surgery program merger between two programs, and to assess the effect on workplace morale and productivity. Secondarily, the authors sought to objectively examine the impact program expansion had on in-service training exam results and operative volumes.MethodsThis was a single-center, prospective, observational study that evaluated surgical resident and faculty feedback pertaining to the merger of two regional general surgery residency programs. The survey utilized the Likert scale at merger onset and post-merger to gather responses from residents and faculty from July 2020 to August 2021. Secondary outcomes evaluated case volume and ABSITE performance pre- and post-merger.ResultsA total of 27 residents and 31 faculty participated in the initial survey. The merger onset and post survey investigation found that there was increased workplace efficiency (78% onset, 96% post; p = 0.004), and increased comfort with effectively triaging patients (41% onset, 83% post; p = 0.001). Satisfaction levels regarding research infrastructure and mentorship also increased significantly (63% onset, 83% post; p = 0.03). ABSITE performance and operative volumes were not significantly changed post-merger.ConclusionThe merging of two academic programs led to feelings of increased mentorship, operative competency, and workplace efficiency among the residents. This was achieved without significant detriment to resident case volume or ABSITE performance. Our investigation also identified legitimate challenges that speak to the need for fluidity in a residency program and the constant need for continued growth and development.