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Training for excellence: using a multimodal videoconferencing platform to coach surgeons and improve intraoperative performance

  • 2023 SAGES Oral
  • Published:
Surgical Endoscopy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Introduction

Continuing Professional Development opportunities for lifelong learning are fundamental to the acquisition of surgical expertise. However, few opportunities exist for longitudinal and structured learning to support the educational needs of surgeons in practice. While peer-to-peer coaching has been proposed as a potential solution, there remains significant logistical constraints and a lack of evidence to support its effectiveness. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the use of remote videoconferencing for video-based coaching improves operative performance.

Methods

Early career surgeon mentees participated in a remote coaching intervention with a surgeon coach of their choice and using a virtual telestration platform (Zoom Video Communications, San Jose, CA). Feedback was articulated through annotating videos. The coach evaluated mentee performance using a modified Intraoperative Performance Assessment Tool (IPAT). Participants completed a 5-point Likert scale on the educational value of the coaching program.

Results

Eight surgeons were enrolled in the study, six of whom completed a total of two coaching sessions (baseline, 6-month). Subspecialties included endocrine, hepatopancreatobiliary, and surgical oncology. Mean age of participants was 39 (SD 3.3), with mean 5 (SD 4.1) years in independent practice. Total IPAT scores increased significantly from the first session (mean 47.0, SD 1.9) to the second session (mean 51.8, SD 2.1), p = 0.03. Sub-category analysis showed a significant improvement in the Advanced Cognitive Skills domain with a mean of 33.2 (SD 2.5) versus a mean of 37.0 (SD 2.4), p < 0.01. There was no improvement in the psychomotor skills category. Participants agreed or strongly agreed that the coaching programs can improve surgical performance and decision-making (coaches 85%; mentees 100%).

Conclusion

Remote surgical coaching is feasible and has educational value using ubiquitous commercially available virtual platforms. Logistical issues with scheduling and finding cases aligned with learning objectives continue to challenge program adoption and widespread dissemination.

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Funding

Funding to support the analysis and interpretation of data provided by the Continuing Professional Development’s Research and Development Grant at the University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Golsa Shafa

  2. Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Allan Okrainec, Jesse D. Pasternak & Amin Madani

  3. Surgical Artificial Intelligence Research Academy, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Golsa Shafa, Parmiss Kiani, Caterina Masino & Amin Madani

  4. Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Adnan Alseidi

  5. University Health Network – Toronto Western Hospital, Main Pavilion, 13MP-312B, 399, Bathurst St, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada

    Amin Madani

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  1. Golsa Shafa
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Amin Madani.

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Disclosures

Amin Madani is a consultant for Activ Surgical and Genesis Medtech outside this submitted work. Allan Okrainec reports honoraria for speaking and teaching from Ethicon, and reports ownership interest in GT Metabolic Solutions and Qaelon Medical outside this submitted work. Golsa Shafa, Parmiss Kiani, Caterina Masino, Jesse D. Pasternak, and Adnan Alseidi have no conflicts of interest or financial ties to disclose.

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Shafa, G., Kiani, P., Masino, C. et al. Training for excellence: using a multimodal videoconferencing platform to coach surgeons and improve intraoperative performance. Surg Endosc 37, 9406–9413 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-023-10374-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-023-10374-6

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