A Statewide Surgical Coaching Program Provides Opportunity for Continuous Professional Development

Abstract

This is the first report of cross-institutional surgical coaching for the continuous professional development of practicing surgeons, demonstrating perceived value among participants, as well as logistical challenges for implementing this evidence-based program. Future research is necessary to evaluate the impact of coaching on practice change and patient outcomes.

Clinical Improvement Interventions for Residents and Practicing Physicians: A Scoping Review of Coaching and Mentoring for Practice Improvement

“…Most coaching articles are attributed to surgical specialties and generally explore the use of coaches to ensure the acquisition of a manual skill. Examples included surgical coaching from specialties such as: urology, neurosurgery, general surgeons, and multiple other surgical specialties . This is perhaps the most logical use of coaches in medicine.…”

“…This is perhaps the most logical use of coaches in medicine. Greenberg and colleagues proposed a statewide surgical coaching model which centered on the review of previously recorded video and direct surgical coaching. Information technology and video conferencing solutions were also broadly applied to allow the coaching surgeon to attend remotely.…”

Pediatric Urology and Global Health

“…The idea of surgical coaching has gained some traction recently in the literature, as some have questioned why surgeons do not have coaches while professionals in other disciplines (including music and sports) that also emphasize performance do. 35,36 To provide context, when using the term surgical coaching, we are not referring to teaching or mentoring of residents and fellows by faculty, but the actual coaching of attending surgeons by peers or more senior faculty members. The goal of surgical coaching and teaching is to provide continuous professional development of surgeons 36 and this mentality can also be thought of as part of a component of a successful global health program.…”

Competence, Confidence, and Certification: Observations from Both Sides of the Aisle

“…I am not sure we could transition to such a process immediately; most physicians would balk at the idea of a high-stakes assessment by a peer. The recent interest in coaching-the concept that physicians, like athletes and musicians, would benefit from regular feedback-might provide an intermediate step in arriving at such a process [15].…”