Abstract
Twenty-six of 89 submitted abstracts were selected for podium presentation at the 32nd annual meeting of the Association for Surgical Education, held in San Diego, California. Based on popular themes, 10 abstracts were chosen for publication under the auspices of the Alliance for Clinical Education. These abstracts have been modified to succinct, self-contained works that can be understood by those who have not attended the meeting or are from non-surgical disciplines.
The first 4 abstracts involve learning about and teaching nontechnical skills in the operating room. First is an ethnographic study exploring surgeons’ responses to intraoperative challenge. The second is an ASE Paper of Distinction, reporting a needs assessment for teaching conflict resolution in the operating room. The third abstract regards the theme of motivating learners in the operating room, and the final abstract in this group, another ASE Paper of Distinction, provides recommendations for training assessors of nontechnical skills.
The concept of risk taking and risk management in surgery is explored in the fifth abstract. The next 3 abstracts involve facets of focused simulated-skills training. A novel simulation model for casting is presented, and the link between focused skills training and patient outcome is examined via meticulous video analysis of microsurgical technique. The efficacy of a large-scale, telesimulation program for teaching laparoscopic skills was demonstrated.
The final 2 abstracts examine teaching methods on the surgery clerkship. A method for eliciting and exploring issues of professionalism is presented, and the rationale for multimedia slide design receives further support.