Microsurgical skills training course and impact on trainee confidence and workload

Abstract

<h2>Summary</h2><h3>Introduction</h3> Our objective was to measure the impact of a basic microsurgery training course on trainees' confidence and workload in performing microsurgery. <h3>Methods</h3> A prospective study of participants in an accredited 5-day microsurgery course over a 3-month period. The confidence and workload of the participants were assessed after the first and final day. The workload was assessed using the validated NASA Task Load Index composed of 6 subscales scored on a 20-point visual analog scale (VAS). Confidence was assessed over 5 dimensions on a 5-point VAS for anastomosis performance, vessels preparation, knot tying, training effectiveness, and future practice of microsurgery. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 31 participants completed the study with 55% reporting some previous microsurgery experience. All confidence dimensions improved significantly after completing the course, regardless of prior experience (<i>p</i><0.01). Those with prior experience started and finished the course at higher confidence levels in anastomosis performance and vessel preparation than the non-experienced group (<i>p</i><0.05). Overall workload showed a downward trend (improvement) at the end of the course, but no significant changes in the experienced and non-experienced groups (<i>p</i>>0.05). Most participants scored above the 50% "sustainability threshold" for mental demand, both before (71%) and after the course (73%), however, perceived physical demand significantly reduced, <i>p</i> = 0.01. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The microsurgery course teaches fundamental skills and principles; therefore, it has merit in those who will utilize these skills in their future practice. Although there is increased confidence in skill acquisition, the impact on perceived workload during a short 5-day basic microsurgery course did not significantly change.