Medical College of Wisconsin
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A simulation-based curriculum can be used to teach open intestinal anastomosis. J Surg Res 2012 Jan;172(1):53-8

Date

09/25/2010

Pubmed ID

20864120

DOI

10.1016/j.jss.2010.08.009

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-82955240903 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   19 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Simulation is a technique commonly used to teach technical skills such as those necessary in laparoscopic surgery. Curricula with objective, validated metrics rating performance are widely used. Simulations to develop and assess skills necessary for open surgical procedures are less common. We hypothesized that a curriculum designed to teach the skills necessary to perform open laparotomy and bowel anastomosis would result in improved knowledge of the procedure steps, increased technical skills, and improved confidence in novice surgeons.

METHODS: A simulation-based curriculum designed to teach open laparotomy and bowel anastomosis was developed. Eleven surgical interns participated in the 6-wk curriculum. Written surveys regarding confidence in the knowledge and ability to perform these procedures were administered before and after the curriculum. Videos of the first six subjects were created on the first and final repetition of the simulation. An Objective Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) instrument was used to evaluate each video by two independent, blinded reviewers.

RESULTS: Subjects demonstrated significantly improved OSATS scores for skills and knowledge in seven of nine domains assessed upon completion of the curriculum. Subject confidence in laparotomy and bowel anastomosis skills improved significantly.

CONCLUSION: A structured, simulation-based curriculum designed to teach laparotomy and hand-sewn bowel anastomosis skills is effective and increases participant confidence. Further study is required to determine whether simulation results in improved performance in the operating room.

Author List

Olson TP, Becker YT, McDonald R, Gould J

Author

Jon Gould MD Chief, Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Anastomosis, Surgical
Clinical Competence
Computer Simulation
Curriculum
Digestive System Surgical Procedures
Educational Measurement
Humans
Internship and Residency
Intestines
Laparoscopy
Task Performance and Analysis