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Published on: February 10, 2022
Development of a cardiac surgery simulation curriculum: from needs assessment results to practical implementation
Craig J Baker1, Raina Sinha, Maura E Sullivan
1Department of Surgery, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA. cbaker@surgery.usc.edu
The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
|April 17, 2012
Summary
Developing a cardiac surgery simulation curriculum is feasible. This structured approach, using tools like virtual operating rooms, significantly improved resident confidence and satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Simulation
- Cardiothoracic Surgery Training
Background:
- The integration of simulation-based learning is a growing trend in cardiothoracic surgery residency programs.
- Formal curriculum development steps are essential for creating effective simulation training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of developing a cardiac surgery simulation curriculum.
- To identify essential cardiac surgical procedures for simulation-based training.
Main Methods:
- Residents and faculty identified and ranked 54 cardiac surgical procedures for simulation needs.
- Procedures were grouped into monthly modules with defined learning objectives.
- A combination of inanimate, animate, cadaveric, and virtual reality simulation tools were utilized.
Main Results:
- Twenty-one of the 23 highest-ranked procedures were incorporated into 12 monthly modules.
- Resident satisfaction with the simulation curriculum was high (mean score ≥ 4.7).
- Simulation training significantly increased resident self-confidence (P < .001) and identified areas of perceived competency gaps.
Conclusions:
- A structured approach enables the feasible development and implementation of a cardiac surgery simulation curriculum.
- High-fidelity, low-technology simulation tools, including fresh tissue cadaver labs and virtual operating rooms, are valuable adjuncts.
