RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Surgical procedure logging with use of a hand-held computer JF Canadian Journal of Surgery JO CAN J SURG FD Canadian Medical Association SP 345 OP 350 VO 45 IS 5 A1 Sandra Fischer A1 Stephen E. Lapinsky A1 Jason Weshler A1 Frazer Howard A1 Lorne E. Rotstein A1 Zane Cohen A1 Thomas E. Stewart YR 2002 UL http://canjsurg.ca/content/45/5/345.abstract AB Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of incorporating hand-held computing technology in a surgical residency program, by means of hand-held devices for surgical procedure logging linked through the Internet to a central database.Setting: Division of General Surgery, University of Toronto.Design: A survey of general surgery residents.Methods: The 69 residents in the general surgery training program received hand-held computers with preinstalled medical programs and a program designed for surgical procedure logging. Procedural data were uploaded via the Internet to a central database. Survey data were collected regarding previous computer use as well as previous procedure logging methods.Main outcome measure: Utilization of the procedure logging system.Results: After a 5-month pilot period, 38% of surgical residents were using the procedure-logging program successfully and on a regular basis. Program use was higher among more junior trainees. Analysis of the database provided valuable information on individual trainees, hospital programs and supervising surgeons, data that would assist in program development.Conclusions: Hand-held devices can be implemented in a large division of general surgery to provide a reference database and a procedure-logging platform. However, user acceptance is not uniform and continued training and support are necessary to increase acceptance. The procedure database provides important information for optimizing trainees’ educational experience.