Does scripting operative plans in advance lead to better preparedness of trainees? A pilot study

Background: We pondered if preoperative scripting might better prepare residents for the operating room (OR).

Methods: Interns rotating on a general surgeon's service were instructed to script randomized cases prior to entering the OR. Scripts contained up to 20 points highlighting patient information perceived important for surgical management. The attending was blinded to the scripting process and completed a feedback sheet (Likert scale) following each procedure. Feedback questions were categorized into "preparedness" (aware of patient specific details, etc.) and "performance" (provided better assistance, etc.).

Results: Eight surgical interns completed 55 scripted and 61 non-scripted cases. Total scores were higher in scripted cases (p = 0.02). Performance scores were higher for scripted cases (3.31 versus 3.13, p = 0.007), while preparedness did not differ (3.65 and 3.62, p = 0.51).

Conclusions: This pilot study suggests scripting cases may be a useful preoperative planning tool to increase interns' operative and patient care performance but may not affect perceived preparedness.