756 Impact of Hands-on Laparoscopic Simulation on Confidence and Skills in Medical Trainees: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Abstract Aim The growing significance of minimally invasive procedures necessitates a shift in the traditional surgical training model towards a more apprenticeship-based approach. This requires the introduction of simulation training in surgical education to be more prominent. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of a hands-on laparoscopic simulation on confidence in laparoscopic and surgical skills, giving insight into its use of teaching for doctors & medical students, as well as the correlation between confidence and practical skills. Method 83 medical students and foundation year doctors attended a laparoscopic simulation hands-on session and completed pre- and post-event questionnaires using a 5-point Likert scale assessing their confidence in practical skills and ability to perform laparoscopic surgical procedures. Attendees also rated how important they believe laparoscopic simulators are for improving surgical skills. Statistical significance & normality were determined using the one-tailed Shapiro–Wilk test and a follow-up T-test was conducted. Results Attendees had demonstrated a significant increase in confidence in the practical skills required in laparoscopic surgery after having done the simulation (average pre-event & post-event 2.11, 3.69 respectively, p = p = 2.99 10-19); as well as confidence in the ability to perform the procedures (average pre-event & post-event 1.71, 4.16 respectively, p = p = 2.99 10-23). Conclusions The study has shown that laparoscopic simulations are effective in increasing the confidence of attendees in the practical ability of laparoscopic simulations and skills required for laparoscopic surgery, showing a positive impact of introducing laparoscopic simulation into surgical training. Further studies are required with long-term follow-up in order to measure sustainability.