SIMULATION TRAINING
Simulation-trained junior residents perform better than general surgeons
Published on
May 2, 2016
Surgical Endoscopy
Overview
This study evaluated the effectiveness of a 16-session advanced laparoscopic simulation training program for junior residents by comparing their performance in the operating room (OR) with that of general surgeons (GS) without simulation training and expert bariatric surgeons (BS). Ten junior trainees successfully performed a stapled jejuno-jejunostomy (JJO) without requiring assistance, while 50% of GS required takeovers by BS. The trainees outperformed the GS group in all assessed metrics, including the global rating scale (GRS) scores and operative time. The findings suggest that skills acquired through simulation training can be effectively transferred to complex surgical procedures in the OR, with only one postoperative morbidity reported among the trainees.
Overall, the results highlight the potential of simulation training to enhance the surgical capabilities of junior residents, demonstrating significant improvements in their performance compared to their non-simulated counterparts.
Results
Ten junior trainees, 12 GS and 5 BS experts were assessed performing a JJO in the OR. All trainees completed the entire JJO in the OR without any takeovers by the BS. Six (50 %) BS takeovers took place in the GS group. Trainees had significantly better results in all measured outcomes when compared to GS with considerable higher GRS median [19.5 (18.8-23.5) vs. 12 (9-13.8) p < 0.001] and lower operative time. One morbidity was registered; a patient in the trainees group was readmitted at postoperative day 10 for mechanical ileus that resolved with medical treatment.
