Clinical Scorecard: Nationwide Boot Camp's Influence on the Shift to Surgical Residency
At a Glance
Category
Detail
Condition
Transition from General to Surgical residency
Key Mechanisms
Simulation-based training, hands-on workshops, online theoretical modules, social networking
Target Population
New surgical residents in Portugal (General Surgery, Gynecology, Urology, Pediatric, Cardiac, Thoracic Surgery)
Care Setting
Surgical residency training programs across Portuguese hospitals
Key Highlights
The First Touch Course (FT) is a nationwide annual boot camp designed to ease the transition into surgical residency by combining hands-on simulation, theoretical online modules, and social integration.
FT provides portable laparoscopic simulators and instruments for home practice, enhancing skill acquisition outside formal training hours.
The curriculum evolved from onsite multi-day sessions to a hybrid model with online preparatory and theoretical courses accessible throughout residency, adapting to COVID-19 restrictions.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Assess residents’ baseline confidence and preparedness via pre-course surveys before starting surgical residency.
Management
Implement an inclusive boot camp combining onsite hands-on workshops and online theoretical modules to improve surgical skills and knowledge.
Provide portable laparoscopic simulators and instruments to facilitate continuous home-based practice.
Schedule the boot camp approximately two weeks before residency start to maximize readiness.
Monitoring & Follow-up
Use post-course surveys to evaluate residents’ perceived confidence and preparedness after boot camp completion.
Allow residents ongoing access to online modules for repeated review during the entire residency period.
Risks
Potential stress and insecurity during transition to surgical residency can be mitigated by structured training and social support.
Limitations in access to simulation tools may hinder skill acquisition; provision of portable simulators addresses this gap.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Surgical residents transitioning from General residency in Portugal
Structured boot camp training improves residents’ self-perceived confidence and preparedness, facilitating smoother transition into surgical roles.
Clinical Best Practices
Incorporate simulation-based training early in surgical residency to build technical competence.
Foster social networking among residents and faculty to support professional integration and reduce stress.
Adapt educational formats to include online components for flexibility and accessibility, especially during public health restrictions.
Provide continuous access to educational resources throughout residency to reinforce learning.
by Sofia Gaspar Reis, Mário Rui Gonçalves, Constança Azevedo, Ana Ruivo, Gonçalo Guidi, Ricardo Marinho, Joana Pinto Teles, Ana Sofia Domingos, André Luís Borges, Filipe Rodrigues Quintas, Liliana Grilo Miranda, António Oliveira, José Novo de Matos
