Development of a novel surgical selection test based on the royal air force flying aptitude assessment that has proven to positively correlate with laparoscopic and open surgical simulation tests

Abstract

s / International Journal of Surgery 10 (2012) S53–S109 S77 ABSTRACTS Aims: Single port / incision laparoscopic surgery (SPILS) is a recent innovation in minimally invasive surgery which is increasingly being used across the world. This study analyses the awareness, experience and opinions of British surgeons. Methods: Electronic, 13-item, self-administered, anonymous questionnaire survey distributed via national / regional surgical mailing lists and websites. Results were analysed with SPSS v17.0 for Windows (SPSS, Inc, Chicago, IL). Results: 342 fully completed responses received: 72 (21%) Consultants and 189 (55%) higher surgical trainees. Overall 330 (96.5%) were aware of SPILS. Only 37% had assisted or performed SPILS procedures; more consultants than trainees (56.3 vs 32.0%, p<0.05). Operative experience was limited: 6% performed 25 procedures, and 60%performed 5. 61.4% believed SPILS takes longer, and 32.8% believed it has higher complication rates. Factors cited as limiting uptake included: lack of evidence (70%), insufficient training (78%), incorrect instrumentation (70%), increased cost (62%), and hospital policy (44.5%). A greater proportion of trainees (94.6% vs 78.9%) felt there were insufficient SPILS training opportunities (p1⁄40.001). Conclusions: Although awareness of SPILS is high, operative experience is limited and negative perceptions regarding operating time and complications remain. Future uptake relies strongly on the availability of evidence, training, instrumentation and reduced costs. 0656: IS AN INDUCTION PROGRAMME IN ENT FOR JUNIOR TRAINEES IMPORTNANT TO ENSURE PATIENT CARE AND SAFETY? Liliana Jablenska, Prasad Kothari. Luton and Dunstable Hospital, Luton, UK Aim: To devise and carry out an ENT induction programme for trainees working in ENT, AE University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK Aims: Identify a test based on the Royal Air Force pilot selection assessment, which can be tailored to select those candidates who possess the technical abilities necessary for successful postgraduate surgical training. Methods: Medical Students, FY, medical and surgical Core trainees have undertaken: 1. RAF Flying Aptitude Test (FAT) RAF Cranwell (identify those with Spatial & Verbal Reasoning, Attentional Capability, Work Rate & Psychomotor Ability) 2. Simulated validated laparoscopic (Lap Sim) boxtrainer tests (bean move, block move, common bile duct cannulation & appendicectomy) 3. Open Basic Surgical skills (BSS) simulation tests (knot & instrument tie, suturing, skin lesion excision). Results: FAT n1⁄4230, Lap Sim n1⁄4159 (Mean age 24 (19-39). 118 male & 112 females. FAT mean 51.76% (16-96%) BSS 1⁄4 21. FAT + Lap Sim tests + BSS n1⁄413 to date. Fig1 (n1⁄4159) FAT index score (%) with Total Lap Sim time (seconds) Spearman Rho 0.302 (p1⁄40.01). Fig2 (n1⁄413) BSS score with FAT index (Rho 1⁄4 0.888; p1⁄40.01). Conclusions: The Flying aptitude test correlates significantly with both laparoscopic and open surgical skills simulation tests. It could be used as an adjunct to the current surgical selection process to confirm that individuals have the necessary technical skills required. 0677: IMPACT OF TRAINEE PERFORMED RESECTIONS ON POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS, LOCAL RECURRENCE AND 5-YEAR SURVIVAL FOLLOWING CURATIVE COLORECTAL SURGERY ON ELDERLY PATIENTS Kanagaraj Marimuthu , Ashraf Raja , Jan Gearey , Ahsan Zaidi . Macclesfield District General Hospital, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 3BL, UK; 2 Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust,, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 1AA., UK Introduction: Age of the patients and variability in surgical technique could influence the clinical outcome following Colorectal Cancers (CRC) surgery. This study aimed to compare whether trainee-performed curative CRC resections in elderly patients were associated with adverse clinical outcome compared to consultants. Methods: Retrospective data of all CRC patients aged 75 and over, who underwent curative surgical resection over two years was collected. Based on grade of primary operating surgeon, patients were stratified into trainee performed or consultant performed groups. Outcomes of interest were surgical technique-related complications (bleeding, anastomotic leak and local abscess), local recurrence and 5-year survival. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 11.0. Results: Among 101 underwent curative resections, trainees and consultants performed 68%(36 right & 33 left colonic) and 32%(11 right & 21 left colonic) resections respectively. Trainees were supervised for 47% of right sided and 70% of left sided colonic resections. There was no difference observed between groups in surgical technique-related complications (P1⁄40.16), local recurrence rate (P1⁄40.40) and 5-year survival rate (P1⁄40.5). Conclusion: This study demonstrated no significant difference in technical complications, local recurrence and 5-year survival rate between trainee and consultant performed CRC resection on elderly patients. 0679: LAPAROSCOPIC VS OPEN APPENDECTOMY PERFORMED BY SIMULATOR TRAINED SURGICAL TRAINEES; A FIVE YEARS OUTCOME STUDY Suhail Aslam Khan, Haseeb Anwar Khokhar, A.H. Nasr, Eleanor Carton. Surgical Department, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda,