Preoperative Practice Paired With Instructor Feedback May Not Improve Obstetrics-Gynecology Residents' Operative Performance.

Background: There is evidence that preoperative practice prior to surgery can improve trainee performance, but the optimal approach has not been studied.

Objective: We sought to determine if preoperative practice by surgical trainees paired with instructor feedback improved surgical technique, compared to preoperative practice or feedback alone.

Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial of obstetrics-gynecology trainees, stratified on a simulator-assessed surgical skill. Participants were randomized to preoperative practice on a simulator with instructor feedback (PPF), preoperative practice alone (PP), or feedback alone (F). Trainees then completed a laparoscopic salpingectomy, and the operative performance was evaluated using an assessment tool.

Results: A total of 18 residents were randomized and completed the study, 6 in each arm. The mean baseline score on the simulator was comparable in each group (67% for PPF, 68% for PP, and 70% for F). While the median score on the assessment tool for laparoscopic salpingectomy in the PPF group was the highest, there was no statistically significant difference in assessment scores for the PPF group (32.75; range, 15-36) compared to the PP group (14.5; range, 10-34) and the F group (21.25; range, 10.5-32). The interrater correlation between the video reviewers was 0.87 (95% confidence interval 0.70-0.95) using the intraclass correlation coefficient.

Conclusions: This study suggests that a surgical preoperative practice with instructor feedback may not improve operative technique compared to either preoperative practice or feedback alone.