The mapping of preferred resources for surgical education: Perceptions of surgical trainees at the Advanced International Minimally Invasive Surgery Academy (AIMS), Milan, Italy

ObjectivesSurgical training courses provide the trainees with anatomical knowledge and manual dexterity. This study aimed to capture the learning styles and training preferences of participants attending a masterclass training centre. This data can facilitate the program directors in tailoring the course contents to enhance the learning environment.MethodsBetween 2010 and 2013, a questionnaire was administered to all participants at the end of each course at the Advanced International Minimally Invasive Surgery Academy (AIMS) in Milan, Italy. The instrument explored the feedback of participants regarding their surgical experiences, learning needs and desired surgical educational resources in minimally invasive surgery.ResultsOf 636 respondents, 606 (95%) performed some laparoscopic procedures at their workplaces. Of the respondents, 467 (73%) preferred ‘direct experience in the operating room’, 424 (66%) preferred ‘tutoring with skilled colleague’, and 275 (43%) wanted ‘hands-on training on animals in their own countries’. Female respondents favoured national congresses as educational resources more than males, with mean ranks of 207.22 vs. 176.51, respectively (p 0.022). The respondents serving hospitals preferred international congresses (mean rank 189.21) more than the respondents serving universities (mean rank 181.72) and private clinics (mean rank 127.45).ConclusionThis study shows that surgical trainees prefer hands-on training in operating rooms, tutoring by skilled colleagues and short fellowships to learn and enhance their surgical skills. Surgical educators can focus on these preferred surgical educational resources to enhance students' acquisition of surgical skills.