Evaluating Sudanese surgical residents' perception of the surgical theatre learning environment using the STEEM questionnaire.

Abstract

Objective: Sudan is experiencing an ongoing armed conflict, which has adversely impacted the healthcare system and postgraduate medical training. The Surgical Theatre is an important workplace for educating surgical residents and acquiring surgical skills. This study evaluates surgical residents' perceptions of the learning environment in the surgical theatre under the training provisions of the Sudan Medical Specialization Board (SMSB) during the conflict time.

Methods: The study was a cross-sectional observational, conducted in August 2024. Data was collected using the Surgical Theatre Educational Environment Measure (STEEM) 40-item questionnaire.

Results: One hundred eighty surgical residents were included in the current study; 130 (72.2%) were male, and 50 (27.8%) were female, and the mean age was 32.5 ± 3.7. The mean total score of the STEEM tool was 141.3/200 (70.7%). The mean scores of the subscales were as follows: 46.8 /65 (72%) for Teaching & Training, 37.3/55 (67.7%) for Learning opportunities, 29.3/40 (73.2%) for Operating Theatre Atmosphere, and 28/40 (70%) for Supervision, Workload, and Support. There are no statistically significant differences in perception between genders or different levels of training.

Conclusion: Surgery residents positively perceive their theatre education environment. Concerns have been raised regarding learning opportunities and the volume of available cases for training. Improvements require a structured program, optimized schedules, streamlined duties, and diverse emergency case exposure.