Simulation Training Could Address Shortfall in Surgery Educators

Stimulation training in basic surgical procedures could address the future shortfall in educators, according to an article in the latest issue of the ANZ Journal of Surgery.
The Journal is published for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) and the article details the prospective study where participants were allocated to cohorts based on their surgical experience, with medical students and interns in a simulation trained group while surgical registrars and experienced surgeons forming the other group.
A total of 138 participants were included from WA, SA and NSW, 101 in the inexperienced cohort and 37 in the second group.
Simulation training was provided to the inexperienced group, with the standard of skills for both groups assessed on one occasion using the simulators inbuilt measuring tools. Demographic and experience data of the cohorts were then compared.
Co-author of the study article Professor Guy Maddern says that simulation training could be seen as the first step in a surgical trainee’s education in laporascopic procedures.
“”This study demonstrates that there was no statistically significant difference between the training outcomes of simulation and traditionally trained participants, irrespective of the simulator type used,” Professor Maddern said.
“In order to meet the increased demands being placed on the health-care system, increased numbers of surgeons will be required and surgical education must keep pace.”
“This simulation training can give a good entry level standard to large groups of students with similar results to traditional training.”
“We must always look at ways for delivering efficient yet effective training for the best outcomes of our patients,” Professor Maddern said