Using the World-Wide-Web to obtain feedback on the quality of surgical residency training.
BACKGROUND
Resident feedback can lead to an improvement in teaching performance. Compliance with our previous rotation evaluation system has been poor.


METHODS
Rotation evaluation forms were integrated to the departmental World-Wide-Web site. Anonymously completed evaluations are automatically sent to an appointed surgery professor via electronic mail (e-mail). They are then collated and transmitted to program directors.


RESULTS
Ninety-two percent (24 of 26) of our surgical residents have an e-mail account. During the 2-month trial, 18 residents completed 48 evaluations. This represents a 75% (18 of 24) compliance rate among residents with e-mail capabilities. The response rate was 82% (9 of 11) for core residents, 64% (7 of 11) for third- and fourth-year residents, and 50% (2 of 4) for chiefs. A second 2-month trial yielded a 75% (18 of 24) response rate and 43 evaluations.


CONCLUSIONS
The World-Wide-Web is a user-friendly medium suitable to obtain valuable feedback on the quality of residency training. Compliance was improved using this new system.
Gilbert
S
S
Department of Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Davidson
J S
JS
D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005246:Feedback; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007396:Internship and Residency; D013663:Teaching / Q000592:standards