Abstract
BackgroundThe role of simulation training in paediatric surgery is expanding as more simulation devices are designed and validated. We aimed to conduct a training needs assessment of UK paediatric surgical trainees to prioritise procedures for simulation, and to validate a novel 3D-printed simulation model for oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula (OA-TOF) repair.MethodsA questionnaire was sent to UK trainee paediatric surgeons surveying the availability and utility of simulation. The operation ranked as most useful to simulate was OA-TOF repair. 3D-printing techniques were used to build an OA-TOF model. Content, face and construct validity was assessed by 40 paediatric surgeons of varying experience.ResultsThirty-four paediatric surgeons completed the survey; 79% had access to surgical simulation at least monthly, and 47% had access to paediatric-specific resources. Perceived utility of simulation was 4.1/5. Validation of open OA-TOF repair was conducted by 40 surgeons. Participants rated the model as useful 4.9/5. Anatomical realism was scored 4.2/5 and surgical realism 3.9/5. The model was able to discriminate between experienced and inexperienced surgeons.ConclusionUK paediatric surgeons voted OA-TOF repair as the most useful procedure to simulate. In response we have developed and validated an affordable 3D-printed simulation model for open OA-TOF repair.
Highlights
Simulation is increasingly relevant to the modern surgical trainee’s curriculum
The development of a realistic and relevant simulated operative experience enables trainees to develop technical and non-technical skills in a safe and reproducible environment [1]. This is valid for paediatric surgery trainees [2]
An anonymised six-point online questionnaire was distributed to UK-based paediatric surgeons
Summary
The development of a realistic and relevant simulated operative experience enables trainees to develop technical and non-technical skills in a safe and reproducible environment [1] This is valid for paediatric surgery trainees [2]. The rarity of certain pathologies, and the low-volume case load make simulated procedures a vital way of gaining experience [3] This has been compounded more recently by the coronavirus pandemic, which has resulted in fewer training opportunities for surgeons in and outside of the operating theatre [4]. We aimed to conduct a training needs assessment of UK paediatric surgical trainees to prioritise procedures for simulation, and to validate a novel 3D-printed simulation model for oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula (OA-TOF) repair. In response we have developed and validated an affordable 3D-printed simulation model for open OA-TOF repair
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