Resident training and the dictated operative report: a national perspective.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Using a nationwide survey, we aimed to determine the current status of operative dictation training in Canada. METHODS: Residents and program directors in general surgery programs in Canada participated in this survey. RESULTS: In all, 274 residents and 11 program directors responded to the survey (70% and 79% response rates, respectively). Among residents, 73% reported that their dictations were in need of improvement, and 56% reported never receiving feedback about their dictations. Most residents (80%) stated that they learned to dictate by reading old operative dictations, 75% reported that their program did not use any formal methods to help improve dictations, and 70% requested further training in dictation. In all, 91% of program directors felt that residency programs should include formal training in dictation but half could not identify any formal methods currently used in their programs. CONCLUSION: There appears to be a marked deficiency in resident training in operative dictation nationwide.