A night float week in a surgical clerkship improves student team cohesion

• Published in: The American journal of surgery Vol. 211; no. 5; pp. 913 - 918
• Main Authors: Connelly, Christopher R., M.D, Kemp Bohan, Phillip M., B.A, Cook, Mackenzie R., M.D, Moren, Alexis M., M.D., M.P.H, Schreiber, Martin A., M.D, Kiraly, Laszlo N., M.D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.05.2016; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Adult; Clinical Clerkship - organization & administration; College students; Colleges & universities; Education, Medical, Undergraduate - organization & administration; Female; General Surgery - education; Hospitals; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Learning; Male; Medical education; Medical residencies; Night Care - psychology; Night float; Patient Care Team; Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; Physicians; Program Evaluation; Prospective Studies; Resident duty hours; Students, Medical - psychology; Surgery; Surgical clerkship; Surveys and Questionnaires; Team cohesion; Medical education; Surgical clerkship; Night float; Resident duty hours; Team cohesion
• ISSN: 0002-9610; 1879-1883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2016.01.011

Abstract Background We hypothesize that night float rotations in the third-year surgical clerkship improve student learning and perceptions of team cohesion. Methods A 1-week night float (NF) system was implemented during the 2013 to 2014 academic year for students. Each student completed 1 week of NF with the Trauma/Emergency General Surgery service. The Perceived Cohesion Scale survey was prospectively administered and National Board of Medical Examiners academic performance retrospectively reviewed. Results We surveyed 70 medical students, 37 traditional call and 33 NF students, with 91% response rate. Perception of team cohesion increased significantly, without perceived loss of educational benefit. Examination scores increased significantly comparing pre- and postintervention groups, with this trend continuing in the following academic year. Conclusions A week-long student NF experience significantly improved perception of team cohesion and standardized examination results. A dedicated period of NF during the surgical clerkship may improve its overall educational value.