Elucidating academic surgical staff perspectives of medical student learning in the operating room: An embedded mixed methods study

Abstract

Background: The operating room (OR) is a complex environment for medical students. Little is known about the OR staff's perception of medical students.

Methods: We utilized an embedded mixed methods design to characterize surgical staff perceptions of students at an academic institution. We surveyed 408 OR nursing/technician staff with 16 follow-up interviews.

Results: 139 respondents. 91.3% reported having daily-to-weekly interactions with medical students. Yet, only 37.9% agreed that "patient care is better when medical students are part of the team." 25.2% felt confident that they knew what a student's education entails outside the OR. 93.5% agreed that interprofessional training between physicians and OR staff should be included in educational programs. 54% agreed that their responsibilities include medical student training in the OR setting.

Conclusions: Despite an overall desire for teamwork, this study highlights a lack of knowledge of each others' roles. To improve OR culture and team dynamics, concerted efforts need to be made around interprofessional training.

Keywords: Interprofessional education; Medical student education; Operating room culture; Patient safety.