A night float week in a surgical clerkship improves student team cohesion

Background: We hypothesize that night float rotations in the third-year surgical clerkship improve student learning and perceptions of team cohesion. Methods: A 1-week night float (NF) system was implemented during the 2013 to 2014 academic year for students. Each student completed 1 week of NF with the Trauma/Emergency General Surgery service. The Perceived Cohesion Scale survey was prospectively administered and National Board of Medical Examiners academic performance retrospectively reviewed. Results: We surveyed 70 medical students, 37 traditional call and 33 NF students, with 91% response rate. Perception of team cohesion increased significantly, without perceived loss of educational benefit. Examination scores increased significantly comparing pre- and postintervention groups, with this trend continuing in the following academic year. Conclusions: A week-long student NF experience significantly improved perception of team cohesion and standardized examination results. A dedicated period of NF during the surgical clerkship may improve its overall educational value.