P032 Designing a workshop for a temporal artery biopsy simulation

Abstract

Abstract Background/Aims A temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is performed to confirm a diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA) and it is recommended by clinical practice guidelines. Historically there have been limited opportunities to perform this procedure and teaching has been largely informal and non standardised. This impacts a trainee’s confidence and competence and potentially patient safety. Simulation is crucial in modern day surgical education and so we designed, organised and delivered a wetlab to teach the steps of TAB to address these issues. Methods The event took place at the Welsh Institute for Minimal Access Therapy (WIMAT) centre in Cardiff. The WIMAT team developed the TAB models to be used. The event covered all of the theoretical aspects of performing a TAB, a demonstration on how to map the temporal artery, how to perform an ultrasound doppler procedure to locate the temporal artery and finally hands on experience performing a TAB with two different complexity models. Participants were asked to complete a 30 item Google Forms Questionnaire to help us to evaluate pre and post session knowledge, understanding and learning experiences pertaining to TAB. Results Participants noted significant improvements in their knowledge and understanding pertaining to all domains covered. A lack of knowledge, a lack of procedures previously performed, concern about damaging the facial nerve and lack of senior support/supervision were all identified as reasons as to why trainees get apprehensive when it comes to performing a TAB. Conclusion This novel formal teaching event provides a blueprint for deaneries to use in their teaching of TAB’s which can benefit trainees and patients. Modern surgical education benefits from wetlabs with expert supervision. Our findings also emphasise the benefits of cross specialty collaborative work. Disclosure S. Rehan: None. P. Watts: None. I. Williams: None. P. Hennessy: None. C. O’Flaherty: None. A. Haridas: None.