Surgical Education, Evaluating selection methods and early training experiences in surgical residency
Pedersen, Hanne LU
(2025)
In Lund University, Faculty of Medicine Doctoral Dissertation Series
- Abstract
- Background
Selection of surgical residents is carried out in a variety of ways across the globe. In Sweden, the selection process is characterized by a lack of transparency and is conducted locally at each hospital. Recruiting suitable candidates is a matter of patient safety since patient outcome is related to surgeon characteristics and behaviors.
Aim
The aim of this thesis is to explore quantitative and qualitative assessment instruments for technical and non-technical skills in surgical residents at the time of recruitment/early in the career.
Methods
The first paper utilized Google and PubMed to identify selection processes in the European Union (EU). Board delegates in the Section of Surgery of the... (More) - Background
Selection of surgical residents is carried out in a variety of ways across the globe. In Sweden, the selection process is characterized by a lack of transparency and is conducted locally at each hospital. Recruiting suitable candidates is a matter of patient safety since patient outcome is related to surgeon characteristics and behaviors.
Aim
The aim of this thesis is to explore quantitative and qualitative assessment instruments for technical and non-technical skills in surgical residents at the time of recruitment/early in the career.
Methods
The first paper utilized Google and PubMed to identify selection processes in the European Union (EU). Board delegates in the Section of Surgery of the Union Européenne des Médecins Specialistes (UEMS), were contacted requesting pertinent information. The following three studies were conducted using the same cohort of 50 applicants for a residency or locum position in general surgery, urology, or pediatric surgery from seven hospitals. Participants were inquired for background factors, and underwent evaluations including visuospatial ability, laparoscopic performance, personality ratings, 360-degree evaluations, and interviews.
Results
A multitude of recruitment strategies were identified across the EU. Visuospatial ability correlated to performance in a laparoscopic simulator. Extravert participants received higher ratings on the 360-degree evaluations, including technical skill, all though no correlation to objective measures of technical skill was identified. The interviews revealed a cautious feedback culture with a reluctancy to provide feedback.
Significance
The first study demonstrated different traditions regarding the best recruitment process, including whether the resident is seen as part of higher education or as an employee. The test of visuospatial ability might serve as a promising indicator of technical performance. The use of 360-degree evaluations should be used with caution to make decisions/summative feedback concerning selection. Insights into the current feedback culture may serve as a basis for targeted improvements. The findings may be relevant to an international audience in postgraduate medical education. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
https://lup.lub.lu.se/record/460a6f55-d4b8-4cfb-bab2-4a524b3717a3
- author
- Pedersen, Hanne
LU
- supervisor
- opponent
-
- Professor Felländer-Tsai, Li, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- organization
- publishing date
- 2025
- type
- Thesis
- publication status
- published
- subject
- keywords
- Surgical education, Selection, Technical skills assessment, non-technical skills, Feedback, Personality, Visuospatial ability, Learning environment, Multisource feedback
- in
- Lund University, Faculty of Medicine Doctoral Dissertation Series
- issue
- 2025:126
- pages
- 73 pages
- publisher
- Lund University, Faculty of Medicine
- defense location
- Belfragesalen, BMC D15, Klinikgatan 32 i Lund. Join by Zoom: https://lu-se.zoom.us/j/63500330374
- defense date
- 2025-11-21 13:30:00
- ISSN
- 1652-8220
- ISBN
- 978-91-8021-779-8
- language
- English
- LU publication?
- yes
- id
- 460a6f55-d4b8-4cfb-bab2-4a524b3717a3
- date added to LUP
- 2025-10-29 08:49:23
- date last changed
- 2025-10-31 09:31:58
@phdthesis{460a6f55-d4b8-4cfb-bab2-4a524b3717a3,
abstract = {{Background <br/>Selection of surgical residents is carried out in a variety of ways across the globe. In Sweden, the selection process is characterized by a lack of transparency and is conducted locally at each hospital. Recruiting suitable candidates is a matter of patient safety since patient outcome is related to surgeon characteristics and behaviors.<br/><br/>Aim <br/>The aim of this thesis is to explore quantitative and qualitative assessment instruments for technical and non-technical skills in surgical residents at the time of recruitment/early in the career.<br/><br/>Methods <br/>The first paper utilized Google and PubMed to identify selection processes in the European Union (EU). Board delegates in the Section of Surgery of the Union Européenne des Médecins Specialistes (UEMS), were contacted requesting pertinent information. The following three studies were conducted using the same cohort of 50 applicants for a residency or locum position in general surgery, urology, or pediatric surgery from seven hospitals. Participants were inquired for background factors, and underwent evaluations including visuospatial ability, laparoscopic performance, personality ratings, 360-degree evaluations, and interviews.<br/><br/>Results <br/>A multitude of recruitment strategies were identified across the EU. Visuospatial ability correlated to performance in a laparoscopic simulator. Extravert participants received higher ratings on the 360-degree evaluations, including technical skill, all though no correlation to objective measures of technical skill was identified. The interviews revealed a cautious feedback culture with a reluctancy to provide feedback.<br/><br/>Significance <br/>The first study demonstrated different traditions regarding the best recruitment process, including whether the resident is seen as part of higher education or as an employee. The test of visuospatial ability might serve as a promising indicator of technical performance. The use of 360-degree evaluations should be used with caution to make decisions/summative feedback concerning selection. Insights into the current feedback culture may serve as a basis for targeted improvements. The findings may be relevant to an international audience in postgraduate medical education.}},
author = {{Pedersen, Hanne}},
isbn = {{978-91-8021-779-8}},
issn = {{1652-8220}},
keywords = {{Surgical education; Selection; Technical skills assessment; non-technical skills; Feedback; Personality; Visuospatial ability; Learning environment; Multisource feedback}},
language = {{eng}},
number = {{2025:126}},
publisher = {{Lund University, Faculty of Medicine}},
school = {{Lund University}},
series = {{Lund University, Faculty of Medicine Doctoral Dissertation Series}},
title = {{Surgical Education, Evaluating selection methods and early training experiences in surgical residency}},
url = {{https://lup.lub.lu.se/search/files/231638413/avhandling_Hanne_Pedersen_LUCRIS.pdf}},
year = {{2025}},
}