A real-time mobile web-based module promotes bidirectional feedback and improves evaluations of the surgery clerkship.

BACKGROUND: We implemented a real-time mobile web-based reporting module for students in our surgery clerkship and evaluated its effect on student satisfaction and perceived abuse. METHODS: Third-year medical students in the surgery clerkship received surveys regarding intimidation, perceived abuse, satisfaction with clerkship resources, and interest in a surgical career. Survey data were analyzed to assess differences after implementing the mobile reporting system and to identify independent predictors of perceived abuse. RESULTS: With the reporting module, students perceived less intimidation by residents (P < .001) and by faculty (P = .008), greater satisfaction reporting feedback (P < .001), and greater interest in surgical careers (P = .003). Perceived abuse decreased without reaching statistical significance (P = .331). High ratings of intimidation by faculty independently predicted perceived abuse (odds ratio 5 1.3), and satisfaction with anonymous reporting was a negative predictor (odds ratio 5.2). CONCLUSIONS: A mobile web-based system for real- time reporting fosters open communication and bidirectional feedback and promotes greater satisfaction with the surgery clerkship and interest in a surgical career. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.