Cross-sectional Analysis of Non-technical Attributes and Surgical Experience in Surgical Staff, Trainees and Applicants.

University Ghent

Status: Invitation-only

Conditions: Healthy Volunteers

Treatments: Other: Rating scales concerning non-technical attributes

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03728088

B670201628799

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study consists of an analysis of the communication styles and attitudes towards risk and uncertainty (i.e. non-technical attributes) in a surgical population with varying clinical experience.

The study aims to investigate the differences and specific patterns in non-technical attributes that may be discerned in these groups and how these non technical attributes develop throughout surgical training.

Full description

This study evaluated the communication styles and attitudes towards risk and uncertainty in a population of surgical candidates (pre- and postgraduates), surgical trainees and surgical staff members, from the specialties of general surgery, orthopedics, urology and plastic surgery. After signing informed consent, participants complete an on-line questionnaire, which contains a set of validated tools.

Initially, a cross-sectional analysis of the non-technical attributes will be conducted, to identify any patters, similarities or differences between participant groups.

The study hypothesis is that significant differences can be observed in participant attributes, which relate to their clinical experience.

Additionally, surgical candidates who agree to participate in this study and are accepted for a surgical training in either general surgery, orthopaedics, urology or plastic surgery, will be invited to repeat the questionnaire at a 2-year interval, to investigate the evolution of their non-technical attributes throughout their training and to identify general patterns.

Enrollment: 120 estimated patients

Sex: All

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participant is part of any of the following groups:

  • Applicant for surgical training in general surgery, orthopedics, urology or plastic surgery.
  • Trainee in general surgery, orthopedics, urology, plastic surgery.
  • Staff in general surgery, orthopedics, urology, plastic surgery.

• Participant is active at Ghent University Hospital or an affiliated training hospital.

No exclusion criteria apply to this study.

Trial design

120 participants in 3 patient groups

Surgical Candidates

Description:

Under- and postgraduate candidates applying for surgical training in general surgery, orthopedics, urology or plastic surgery at Ghent University Hospital. All candidates will complete the rating scales concerning non-technical attributes in the period prior to the surgical selections.

Treatment:

Other: Rating scales concerning non-technical attributes

Surgical trainees

Description:

Surgical trainees active in general surgery, orthopaedics, urology or plastic surgery, at Ghent University Hospital or an affiliated non-academic training hospital. All trainees will be invited to participate in the study. Trainees who agree to participate will complete the rating scales concerning non-technical attributes.

Treatment:

Other: Rating scales concerning non-technical attributes

Surgical staff

Description:

Surgical staff members active in general surgery, orthopaedics, urology or plastic surgery, at Ghent University Hospital. All surgical staff members will be invited to participate in the study. Surgical staff members who agree to participate will complete the rating scales concerning non-technical attributes.

Treatment:

Other: Rating scales concerning non-technical attributes