Author: Brian S McGowan, PhD

Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Although cultural competency is not a new concept in healthcare, it has only recently been formally embraced as important in the field of surgery. All physicians, including and especially surgeons, must acknowledge the potential influence of culture in order to provide effective and equitable care for patients of all backgrounds. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) recognizes cultural competency as a component of “patient care,” “professionalism,” and “interpersonal and communication skills.”
METHODS:
A systematic literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE, EBSCOhost, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. All publications focusing on surgical residents and the assessment of patient care, professionalism, interpersonal and communication skills, or specifically cultural competency and/or were considered. This initial search resulted in 12 articles. To further refine the review, publications discussing curricula in residencies other than surgery, the assessment of technical, or clinical skills and/or without any explicit focus on cultural competency were excluded.
RESULTS:
Based on the specified inclusion and exclusion criteria, 5 articles were selected. These studies utilized various methods to improve surgical residents’ cultural competency, including lectures, Objective Structural Clinical Examinations (OSCE), and written exercises and evaluations.
CONCLUSIONS:
A number of surgical residency programs have made promising strides in training culturally competent surgeons. Ultimately, in order to maximize our collective efforts to improve the quality of health care, the development of cultural competency curricula must be made a priority and such training should be a requirement for all trainees in surgical residency programs.

via Welcome to Cultural Competency: Surgery’s Effort… [J Surg Educ. 2013] – PubMed – NCBI.

Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Reliance upon fluoroscopy within urology is increasing, with urologists key in determining radiation exposure to patients, themselves, and other healthcare personnel. However, education in occupational radiation safety is nonstandardized, often lacking. Consequently, residents and practicing urologists risk overexposure. We assessed occupational radiation safety attitudes and practices of training urologists.
METHODS:
A confidential, anonymous, internet-based survey on workplace radiation safety practices was distributed to residents and fellows via program directors identified from the American College of Graduate Medical Education and the American Osteopathic Association. Items explored included sources of education on occupational radiation exposure, knowledge of occupational dose limits, exposure frequency, and protective item utilization. Investigators were blinded to responses.
RESULTS:
Overall, 165 trainees responded, almost all of whom reported at least weekly workplace radiation exposure. Compliance with body and thyroid shields was high at 99% and 73%, respectively. Almost no one used lead-lined glasses and gloves; three-quarters cited lack of availability. The principle of keeping radiation doses As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) was widely practiced (88%). However, 70% of respondents never used dosimeters, while 56% never had one issued. Only 53% felt adequately trained in radiation safety; this number was 30% among those pregnant during training. Fewer than half (46%) correctly identified the maximum acceptable annual physician exposure. Departmental education in radiation safety improved knowledge, protective practices, monitoring, and satisfaction with education in radiation exposure.
CONCLUSIONS:
Our findings show that protective equipment usage and occupational radiation monitoring for the training urologist are insufficient. Despite frequent exposure, resident education in radiation safety was found lacking. Efforts should be made to address these deficiencies on a local and national level.

via Radiation safety knowledge and practices among u… [J Surg Educ. 2013] – PubMed – NCBI.