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Live surgical demonstrations: an old, but increasingly controversial practice
Brian Duty1, Zhamshid Okhunov, Justin Friedlander
1Arthur Smith Institute for Urology, Department of Urology, Hofstra University, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, New Hyde Park, New York 11042, USA. bduty@nshs.edu
Urology
|February 28, 2012
Summary
Leading urologists express concerns about the educational value, safety, and ethics of live surgical demonstrations, suggesting a need for formal review and policy development.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Surgical Education
- Medical Ethics
Background:
- Live surgical demonstrations are a common educational tool in urology.
- However, concerns regarding their educational value, safety, and ethical implications exist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey leading academic urologists on their opinions about live surgical demonstrations.
- To assess perceptions of educational value, safety, and ethics.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous survey was distributed to active members of the American Association of Genitourinary Surgeons (AAGUS).
- The survey addressed experiences, anxiety levels, distractions, case selection, and ethical considerations of live demonstrations.
Main Results:
- Most respondents have performed live demonstrations, experiencing moderate to high anxiety, especially as visiting professors.
- Distractions like excessive conversation and concerns over case appropriateness were frequently cited.
- While most deem demonstrations ethical, only 30.1% believe they should continue in their current form.
Conclusions:
- This study highlights significant concerns among urologists regarding live surgical demonstrations.
- Findings align with existing literature in other surgical fields expressing reservations.
- A formal review and policy statement are recommended for the future of live operative demonstrations in urology.
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