An appropriate simulation-based training for surgical technology students

Abstract

BackgroundUsing simulation in an appropriate education plan which has always been challenging; To be used alone or in combination with other methods and the order of it’s use. This article was intended to compare student’s knowledge, clinical skill and readiness-capability using simulation and combination of it with traditional training methods to collect necessary evidence for development of an appropriate simulation- based educational plan for surgical technology students. MethodsThis is a controlled pre/post-test quasi-experimental study in 2019. All surgical technology students who had selected the scrub and circulate course (n = 28) were randomly divided into two groups. One of the groups was educated with traditional training method (TTM). On the same day, the other group was educated with simulation training method (STM). After two weeks, group α received simulation training and group β was subject to traditional training. Multiple-Choice Test for Knowledge Assessment and Clinical Skills as well as Readiness-Capability (KCSRC) of appendectomy Surgery checklist were used in this study. Data were analysed after each training method, after Two weeks and after blended education.For data analysis, Mixed-Design ANOVA and SPSS software 24/v were employed. ResultsThe mean scores of knowledge, clinical skills, and readiness-capability were 14.2 ± 2.91, 44.42 ± 17.74, 21.58 ± 4.18 in group α and 12.66 ± 3.21, 41.17 ± 16.19, and 18.58 ± 7.85 in group β, respectively. The comparison between mean scores of KCSRC before the first training and after combined training in each group showed that the mean of all scores significantly increased in group α (p < 0.0001), which indicates that the education plan starting with TTM and continued with STM has the most significant effect on results. ConclusionAccording to the results of the study, it seems that starting the education plan for surgical students with TTM and then continuing with STM would be more effective on education of students, especially on students’ long term learning.