A new approach for the acquisition of trauma surgical skills: an OSCE type of simulation training program

Ortiz Koh, Catalina Alejandra; Contreras Bertolo, Caterina; Vela Ulloa, Javier Ignacio; Belmar, Francisca; Paul, Ivan; Achurra Tirado, Pablo; Varas Cohen, Julián

A new approach for the acquisition of trauma surgical skills: an OSCE type of simulation training program

Date

2022

Authors

Ortiz Koh, Catalina Alejandra

Contreras Bertolo, Caterina

Vela Ulloa, Javier Ignacio

Belmar, Francisca

Paul, Ivan

Achurra Tirado, Pablo

Varas Cohen, Julián

Abstract

Background Worldwide, trauma-related deaths are one of the main causes of mortality. Appropriate surgical treatment is crucial to prevent mortality, however, in the past decade, general surgery residents’ exposure to trauma cases has decreased, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, accessible simulation-based training scenarios are essential. Methods A low-cost, previously tested OSCE scenario for the evaluation of surgical skills in trauma was implemented as part of a short training boot camp for residents and recently graduated surgeons. The following stations were included bowel anastomosis, vascular anastomosis, penetrating lung injury, penetrating cardiac injury, and gastric perforation (laparoscopic suturing). A total of 75 participants from 15 diferent programs were recruited. Each station was videotaped in high defni tion and assessed in a remote and asynchronous manner. The level of competency was assessed through global and specifc rating scales alongside procedural times. Self-confdence to perform the procedure as the leading surgeon was evaluated before and after training. Results Statistically signifcant diferences were found in pre-training scores between groups for all stations. The lowest scores were obtained in the cardiac and lung injury stations. After training, participants signifcantly increased their level of competence in both grading systems. Procedural times for the pulmonary tractotomy, bowel anastomosis, and vascular anastomosis stations increased after training. A signifcant improvement in self-confdence was shown in all stations. Conclusion An OSCE scenario for training surgical skills in trauma was efective in improving profciency level and self confdence. Low pre-training scores and level of confdence in the cardiac and lung injury stations represent a defcit in resi dency programs that should be addressed. The incorporation of simulation-based teaching tools at early stages in residency would be benefcial when future surgeons face extremely severe trauma scenarios. Keywords Trauma surgery · Simulation training · Surgical training · Surgical education tec

Keywords

Trauma surgery, Simulation training, Surgical training, Surgical education technology

Citation

Ortiz, C., Vela, J., Contreras, C. et al. A new approach for the acquisition of trauma surgical skills: an OSCE type of simulation training program. Surg Endosc 36, 8441–8450 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-022-09098-w