Closing the pandemic-related surgical training gap using cadaveric simulation

Abstract

Introduction Surgical training has been greatly hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic. We designed an intensive cadaveric simulation “catch-up” course to be delivered to trainees in several surgical specialties in a single sitting. Our aims were to measure the training gap brought about by the pandemic, and to assess the feasibility and educational impact of a catch-up simulation training course using a single set of cadavers over three days. Methods Twenty-six trainees (at grades CT1 to ST6 and from 6 surgical specialties as well as anaesthetics/intensive care) in a large teaching hospital were recruited. Bespoke learning objectives were developed before the course. The training gap and educational impact were measured using trainee self-assessment of their procedure-based assessment (PBA) levels in a survey after the course. Results Twenty-nine different surgical procedures were performed. A mean training gap of 1.36 PBA levels was reported across all specialties (range: 1–3). The gap was greatest for index procedures, vascular surgery trainees and trainees at grade ST3/ST4. The mean PBA level gain (gap closure) after the course was +1.51 (range: 0–5). The gain was highest for index procedures, anaesthetic trainees and ST3/ST4 trainees. Participants were highly satisfied with the course. Conclusions There is a measurable training gap following COVID-19 disruption to surgical training and intensive cadaveric simulation training with bespoke learning objectives appears to go a long way towards closing this gap. It is feasible to deliver a time and resource efficient cadaveric course for multiple surgical specialties in one sitting. Catch-up simulation is acceptable to trainees, who report that it should be embedded in regular training provision.