General surgery resident motivation: the effect of formative compared to summative simulated skills assessments

Surgical residents undergo numerous summative and formative assessments throughout training. However, it is unknown how perceptions of assessment intention use impact trainee motivation subsequent performance outcomes. We goal orientation theory to explore resident perception type influences levels. conducted a prospective cohort study general surgery residents’ motivation, with completing an electronic survey before simulated surgical skills assessment. Items included (formative vs summative), scores (average responses, 1 = Strongly Disagree 5 Agree), post-graduate year (PGY). Mastery were compared based on perceived PGY level. Sixty 63 (RR 95%) completed the survey. Residents who felt was had significantly higher mastery than those (mean 4.1 3.4, p 0.006). Motivation varied between differing levels, specific (p < 0.001) no differences seen in motivation. PGY1 PGY3 mean PGY5 (PGY1: 4.4, PGY3: 4.0 PGY5: 2.8, 0.01). Trainees believe they are skill development more likely indicate motivated master skill. Further, we demonstrate that junior trainees exhibit chief residents.