The role of the journal club in surgical training.
BACKGROUND
The development of skills in critical appraisal of the medical literature is an important aspect of surgical training.


METHODS
At the Prince of Wales Hospital a journal club has been conducted for more than 5 years to improve the registrars' training in this area. A questionnaire was circulated regarding the success of the journal club at achieving adequate review of the important current literature, development of critical appraisal skills by registrars and providing a convivial social gathering.


RESULTS
A total of 28 out of 39 current or previous journal club members responded to the questionnaire. Twenty-three of the respondents felt that the journal club provided a good to excellent review of current literature, 26 felt that the journal club facilitated development of critical appraisal skills and all 28 said that the journal club was a convivial social forum. Eight research projects developed from journal club reviews, 19 of the respondents reported that their clinical practice had changed, and 19 had been stimulated to further review a topic as a result of the journal club. Many of the respondents had specific criticisms of the journal club, and these have been used to improve the journal club format.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study has highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of our journal club. The journal club is a valuable component of surgical education.
Spillane
A J
AJ
Department of General Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.
Crowe
P J
PJ
D002983:Clinical Competence; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D018156:Journalism, Medical; D010506:Periodicals as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires