The Impact of Interactions with Nonsurgical Staff on the Surgical Resident Experience in the Nonoperative Clinical Learning Environment: A Qualitative Study

Objective: Residents interact, collaborate with, and learn from nurses, advanced practice providers, and physicians in multiple specialties. Both positive and negative experiences in the clinical workspace can affect residents' well-being, their ability to learn, and their development into effective, independent physicians. The aim of this study is to evaluate the general surgery resident experience in the nonsurgical clinical learning environment to identify how interactions outside of the operating room affect resident well-being and their ability to learn. We hypothesize that surgical resident experience is impacted by nonoperative interactions with nonsurgical faculty and staff.

Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interviews of 6 residents were performed to understand the impact of resident interactions with nonsurgical staff on their learning experience. Interviews were conducted virtually, transcribed verbatim, and de-identified. Two team members independently reviewed and coded interviews using thematic coding. Codes were then audited, and themes were identified.

Results: Three major themes were identified, all of which highlighted the significance of resident interactions with other services. Communication barriers limit successful and positive resident experiences, with residents especially highlighting communication over the phone as a source of negative experiences. Preconceived perceptions of surgeons from others can lead to negative interactions. Finally, conflicting specialty goals and cultures can lead to challenges in resident training.

Conclusion: The surgical resident experience in the nonsurgical clinical learning environment is an integral part of resident training. The interactions outside of their surgical training environment play a role in well-being and their training experience. Improving communication skills across departments and a better-developed understanding of interdepartmental goals and cultures can lead to an improved training experience for general surgery residents.