Should We Train the Trainers? Results of a Randomized Trial
Received 2 November 2007; received in revised form 21 January 2008; accepted 27 February 2008. published online 20 May 2008.
Background
The development of efficient training methods in surgery is increasingly important. The effectiveness of training trainers is unclear. This study was designed to determine the effect on their trainees' performance of instructing trainers in a specific cognitive training method.
Study Design
Ten trainers from a university teaching hospital were randomized to train novices on a one-to-one basis in a simulated procedure using either a four-step cognitive method or their own unspecified method. Thirty trainees were randomly assigned to either a cognitive or standard trainer. After training, trainees were assessed on performing the procedure using a task-specific checklist, a global rating scale, and time taken to complete the procedure.
Results
Trainees who were trained using the specific cognitive method completed the procedure in a faster time (mean 331 seconds [SD 37 seconds] versus 426 seconds [SD 66 seconds]) and with higher global rating scores (mean 23.25 seconds [SD 3.7 seconds] versus 20.5 seconds [SD 4.5 seconds]) compared with those taught by a standard method.
Conclusions
Instructing trainers in a cognitive training method results in a significant improvement in training outcomes.
University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Correspondence address: Michael A Murphy, MD, Nuffield Department of Surgery, University of Oxford, Level 6, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9JL, United Kingdom.
ABSTRACT