Development of a computerized telecommunication system for in-training evaluation of residents in a laparoscopic educational program.
OBJECTIVE
To describe our initial experience with a computerized telecommunication system, termed the interactive voice-response system, to record resident performance of laparoscopic surgery.


METHODS
After completing a laparoscopic procedure, the surgeon and resident telephone a toll-free number independently and respond to three prerecorded statements using a Likert scale of 1 to 5. The caller then is asked to describe the resident's response to critical incidents or elements of surprise that arose during the surgery. The ratings and verbal comments are compiled, transcribed, and forwarded to the respective resident. The resident (and program director) can hear the verbal comments by entering a four-digit code.


RESULTS
Between May 1, 1995, and May 31, 1996, 430 cases were reported by 11 surgeons and 16 residents using the interactive voice-response system. One hundred ninety-five (45%) procedures were entered by both the resident and surgeon. A survey undertaken during the introductory phase of the project revealed that five of the seven residents exposed to the system found that it provided useful feedback and preferred the system to traditional in-service reporting methods. In addition, five residents thought that the system complemented the personal feedback they received in the operating room.


CONCLUSIONS
The system has been accepted by both residents and surgeons and has addressed the important components of resident in-training evaluation, namely, evaluation on a case-by-case basis, timely feedback, and self-assessment of resident performance.
Fung Kee Fung
M P
MP
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa General Hospital, Canada. mfung@ogh.on.ca
Parboosingh
I J
IJ
Temple
L M
LM
Guy d'Anjou
C
C
Haebe
J
J
Lussier
R
R
D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D010535:Laparoscopy; D013685:Telecommunications