Factors affecting performance on the American Board of Surgery in-training examination

Background: Surgical programs use the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) in several ways, including for promotion and retention decisions. The purpose of this study was to identify the combination of factors that explain residents’ successful performance on the ABSITE. Methods: Fifty-one surgical residents completed questionnaires, and information was gathered about their previous ABSITE performance, anxiety, probationary status, amount of study, amount of sleep before examination, confidence, and attendance at conference. Results: An analysis of the data for those with experience taking the examination (n = 34) indicated that the combination of conference attendence (26.3%), previous performance (16.5%), probationary status (10.4%), amount of sleep (9.8%), and amount of study (8%) were significant in explaining a total of 71% of the variance in ABSITE scores. Amount of study (+0.32, P = 0.011), confidence (+0.36, P = 0.005), and conference attendence (+0.51, P = 0.001) were significantly correlated with ABSITE performance. Conclusions: Several factors contribute to residents’ successful ABSITE performance. These findings may lead to improved examination performance and application of knowledge, both during residency and throughout their career.