Needs assessment can guide creation of a "resident-optimized clinic" in surgery

Background: There is limited data on deliberate teaching of residents in the clinic setting; we sought to investigate the clinic experience at our institution and improve education through creation of a novel "Resident-Optimized Clinic" (ROC).

Methods: An online survey was sent separately to residents and faculty. Based on the results of this survey a modified ROC was developed to try to improve the obstacles to learning in clinic.

Results: Qualitative analysis revealed the barriers in clinic were inconsistencies in expectations, lack of autonomy, time, and facility limitations. The modified ROC was rated positively with 100% of participants expressing they had sufficient time and autonomy; and 90% felt the environment was optimized for teaching.

Conclusions: Multiple themes have been identified as problematic for the clinic education experience. The ROC was rated positively by trainees suggesting thoughtful intervention to improve clinic results in a better clinic experience and more educational gain from the clinic environment.