IPEG survey on live case demonstrations in pediatric surgery

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Medical Ethics
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Live case demonstrations (LCDs) are a prevalent educational method in surgical specialties.
• Concerns regarding patient safety and ethical considerations have led to the prohibition of LCDs in some surgical societies.
• Factors contributing to these concerns include surgeon stress, time constraints, unfamiliar equipment, and questionable indications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the opinions of International Pediatric Endosurgery Group (IPEG) members regarding Live Case Demonstrations (LCDs).
• To assess IPEG members' perspectives on the educational value, potential harm, and continuation of LCDs.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was distributed to all IPEG members in 2010-2011.
• The questionnaire collected data on participants' backgrounds and their agreement with statements about LCDs on a 5-point Likert scale.
• Data were analyzed from 61 surgeons and 148 attendees.

Main Results:

• 83% of surgeons reported elevated stress levels during LCDs.
• Both surgeons and attendees perceived LCDs as potentially harmful (mean agreement 3/5) and not beneficial to patients (mean agreement 2/5).
• Despite concerns, LCDs were considered educationally essential (mean agreement 3/5), with a majority supporting their continuation (surgeons 4/5, attendees 3/5), though many would not consent to LCDs for their own children (36% surgeons, 52% attendees).

Conclusions:

• IPEG members view LCDs as a crucial component of surgical education, despite acknowledging associated risks.
• A majority of IPEG members favor the continuation of LCDs.
• Future LCDs must prioritize patient safety and ethical considerations.