Comparative effectiveness of structured surgical residency and rotational training in general surgery: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Clinical learning is important for general surgeons. Besides, postgraduate degree teaching and standardized training of resident physicians are important for general surgeons. Traditional training for resident physicians prescribed by the Chinese authorities is rudimentary. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of a structured residency training program and standardized training on the overall performance of resident doctors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After the 100 resident doctors completed the course and clinical training, their theoretical skills scores (theoretical examination and objective scores), practical skills scores (teaching quality), and satisfaction data were included in the study analyses. Since 2020 (the data from the past 5 years), there have been 30 resident doctors at the structured residency training program (RT cohort) and 70 are rotating in the surgical department (SDR cohort). RESULTS: Seven (10%) residents from the SDR cohort failed at least one theoretical assessment. None of the resident doctors from the RT cohort failed in any of the theoretical skills. The theory examination paper marks (p < 0.001), the case analysis score (p = 0.003), the medical record writing score (p < 0.001), the physical examinations score (p < 0.001), and the basic theoretical knowledge score (p = 0.016) of resident doctors from the RT cohort were better than those of residents from the SDR cohort. Among the practical skills, interest in promotion (p = 0.023) and knowledge consolidation effect (p = 0.026) were reported as higher among resident doctors of the RT cohort than those of resident doctors of the SDR cohort. CONCLUSIONS: New students admitted to professional master's degree programs in clinical medicine in China will be required to participate in certified resident training. The structured residency training program has better effects than rotating in the surgical department based on the overall performance of the resident doctor.