Impact of Surgical Residency Integration on Trauma and Acute Care Surgery Outcomes: A Retrospective Analysis

J Surg Educ. 2024 Sep;81(9):1293-1296. doi: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2024.06.009. Epub 2024 Jul 2.

Abstract

Background: In the context of surgical education reform, the integration of residency programs represents a significant milestone. Concerns about potential disruptions to patient care metrics amid these changes necessitate empirical investigation.

Methods: This study assessed the impact of integrating surgical residency programs on patient outcomes within Trauma and Acute Care Surgery services. Pre- and postintegration data were meticulously analyzed to evaluate key metrics, including length of hospital stay, recovery rates, and complication rates.

Results: Contrary to initial concerns, the introduction of residency programs did not yield significant alterations in patient care metrics. Analysis revealed consistent outcomes pre- and post-integration, indicating the resilience of patient care amidst educational reforms. Despite the introduction of a high-stakes training environment, patient outcomes remained stable.

Conclusion: The study highlights the compatibility of educational advancements with the preservation of optimal patient care standards in Trauma and Acute Care Surgery services. Demonstrating the stability of patient care metrics in the face of educational reforms offers valuable insights for healthcare institutions considering similar initiatives. Overall, these findings contribute to the discourse on the value of surgical residency programs, reinforcing the importance of maintaining high-quality patient care standards while advancing surgical education.

Keywords: acute care surgery; complication rates; patient outcomes; recovery rates; surgical residency integration; trauma.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Care Surgery
  • Female
  • General Surgery* / education
  • Humans
  • Internship and Residency*
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Traumatology* / education