Thoracic: Education
Conducting high-quality research in cardiothoracic surgical education: Recommendations from the Thoracic Education Cooperative Group

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Abstract

Objective

There is a clear need for improved quality of research publications in the area of cardiothoracic surgical education. With the goals of enhancing the power, rigor, and strength of educational investigations, the Thoracic Education Cooperative Group seeks to outline key concepts in successfully conducting such research.

Methods

Literature and established guidelines for conduct of research in surgical education were reviewed, and recommendations were developed for investigators in thoracic surgical education.

Results

Key steps in educational research are highlighted and discussed with regard to their application to cardiothoracic surgical education. Specifically, advice is provided in terms of developing a research question, educational methodology, ethical issues, and handling power and sample sizes. Additional caveats of educational research that are addressed include aspects of validity, survey conduct, and simulation research.

Conclusions

Educational research can serve to enhance the practices and careers of current trainees, our scientific community, and thoracic surgical educators. To optimize the quality of such educational research, it is imperative that teachers, innovators, and contributors to academic scholarship in our field familiarize themselves with key steps in conducting educational studies.

Key Words

cardiothoracic surgery
surgical education
education research

Abbreviation and Acronym

TECoG
Thoracic Education Cooperative Group

Cited by (0)

The Thoracic Education Cooperative Group received administrative support from the Thoracic Surgery Directors Association.