Document Type
Conference Proceeding - Restricted Access
Publication Date
11-2022
Publication Title
Journal of the American College of Surgeons
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: A competitive team-based approach to encourage self-studying and didactic participation is a novel method of American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) preparation. We aimed to determine if this method significantly improves residents' percentile performances on the ABSITE.
METHODS: We reviewed ABSITE performance and preparation from general surgery residents for the last ten years. Percentile scores were compared before and after implementation of a purchased online question bank (TrueLearn LLC, Mooresville, NC), a team-based competition, and a virtual format of the team-based competition. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney tests where appropriate.
RESULTS: Three hundred seventy-eight ABSITE scores from 112 residents were analyzed. Overall median ABSITE percentile at the program level increased from 40.5 (IQR 20.5, 66.8) to 76.0 (49.0, 85.0) percentile (p < 0.001) from 2011 to 2021 (Figure). There was an increase but no significant difference in ABSITE percentile (median 57.0 [IQR 26.5, 71.5] vs 67.0 [IQR 33.5, 85.5], p = 0.068) when comparing percentiles from 2 years prior and 2 years after implementation of an online question bank. However, there was a significant increase in ABSITE percentiles after implementation of an in-person team-based competition (median 67.0 [IQR 31.5, 95.5] vs 84.5 [IQR 60.8, 91.0], p = 0.026). There was no significant difference of percentile scores after conversion to a virtual team-based competition (median 84.5 [IQR 60.8, 91.0] vs 76.0 [IQR 49.0, 85.0], p = 0.146).
CONCLUSION: Although question banks are important to exam preparation, implementation of a team-based competition, which fosters individual preparation as well as team discussions, significantly improves ABSITE performance.
Volume
235
Issue
5 (Supplement 10)
First Page
S222
Recommended Citation
Masters SE, Howard KK, Foote DC, Studzinski D, Callahan RE, Ivascu FA, et al. Improving American board of surgery in-training examination scores through a team-based approach. Journal of the American College of Surgeons 2022 Nov;235(5):S222.
DOI
10.1097/01.XCS.0000894744.62942.8b