The simulation event was created to give opportunities for direct observation and deliberate feedback to senior residents who were about to enter supervising roles as senior residents on call.   In the past we have promoted the residents into these roles because it was "that time of year", but without knowing if they truly had the ability to manage emergencies, the medical knowledge to supervise junior residents, or the communication skills needed teach them.

The learners were asked to practice on-call situations using standardized patients (SPs).  A junior resident took a history of a SP and reported the exam findings to the seniors on call just as they would for any patient they needed help or advice about.  The seniors on call would listen and give advice as they deemed appropriate.  Using SPs allowed us to view the patient interviews that the junior residents obtained live and were also able to give them feedback on their history taking and synthesis of the medical exam.

The objective was to give senior residents feedback on their performance acting as a supervising senior resident on call after direct observation.  We were also able to give the junior residents feedback on their performance in history taking and synthesis of medical knowledge after just 4 months of ophthalmology residency.  This proved to be a great feedback tool for all levels of trainees.

A big benefit was that these were videotaped.  We have been able to review these videos after the workshop and the trainees can see what they did well and what they could improve.  We could also very easily assess the strengths and weakness of the residents and give them feedback through observing in the observation booth.  At the end of the program, the residents all enjoyed the event and wanted to come back for similar feedback sessions.

One resident said "It was a lot of fun, and I appreciate the effort that everyone has put into giving me feedback and making me better."

Streaming video allows faculty to assess students real-time.