Psychometric properties and calibration of the SPOREEM (Students’ Perception of the Operating Room Educational Environment Measure)

Abstract

Objective: The experience in the operating room is considered as a crucial element affecting medical students’ satisfaction with workplace-based training in surgery. We developed the “Students’ Perception of the Operating Room Educational Environment Measure” (SPOREEM) and applied the approach of Item Response Theory to improve accuracy of its measurement. Design: Psychometric analysis determined the factorial structure. Using Item Response Theory, item thresholds were calculated on response option levels. Sum scores in the factors were then computed using calibrated unit weights. Setting: One hundred medical students from the University Medical Center in Goettingen, Germany, enrolled in a one-week surgery rotation completed the SPOREEM. Results: The final 19-item questionnaire resulted in 3 factors: "Learning support and inclusion" (1), "Workplace atmosphere" (2), and "Experience of emotional stress" (3). Item calibration resulted in refinement of sum scores in the factors. Male students significantly rated factor 1 more positively. Factor 2 was perceived to a similar degree in all 3 surgical disciplines involved. Factor 3 was rated lower by those students planning a surgical field of postgraduate training. Conclusions: We developed a valid, reliable, and feasible tool to assess the overall educational climate of undergraduate training in the OR. Calibration of items refined the measurement.