Needs Analysis for the Implementation of Supplemental Educational Videos in the Training of Surgical Residents

Abstract

This dissertation aimed to research the possibility of integrating a supplemental video system in a surgical residency for educational use. A needs analysis was to be conducted in order to find if current stakeholders would accept such a system within a surgical residency: (a) surgical residents, (b) teaching physicians, and (c) administrators. The study aimed to research factors that complicate the current educational setting for surgical residents, such as time allotted for learning, fatigue during learning opportunities, teaching physicians time and effort into teaching responsibilities, and the cost of such systems and their perceived value to administrators. Also investigated was the type of learning theories best suited to creating a supplemental video system in a hospital setting. After this, a set of interviews was conducted amongst the stakeholders to evaluate the needs of the residency and the willingness of all parties to accept the system into their educational structure. What was found was a high level of interest in a more centralized learning management system, which is the central depository for all educational materials to be used by the residents. Most agreed that the learning environment lacked structure and optimally required something more substantial than adding supplemental videos to the learning process. These findings demonstrate that surgical residents, teaching physicians, and administrators all perceive a lack of structure in the surgical residency learning process and a significant need to correct the issue.