Simulators help improve student confidence to acquire skills in urology

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation

Background:

• Medical students require proficiency in essential procedural skills like bladder catheterization and rectal examination.
• Traditional training methods may not adequately prepare students for these sensitive procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of simulation-based training on fifth-year medical students' confidence in performing bladder catheterization and rectal examinations.
• To assess student satisfaction with simulation as a learning modality.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 173 fifth-year medical students in a Urology practical workshop.
• Anonymous questionnaires assessed confidence levels pre- and post-simulation training and overall satisfaction.
• Individualized supervision and technique instruction were provided during small group sessions.

Main Results:

• Confidence in performing bladder catheterization and rectal examination significantly increased post-training (P<.001).
• Pre-training gender-based confidence disparities in male catheterization and prostate examination resolved after simulation.
• High overall satisfaction reported, with average scores increasing from 4.47 ± 0.9 towards a maximum of 5.

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based training is an effective method for enhancing medical students' procedural confidence.
• Simulation training successfully bridges gender-based confidence gaps in specific urological maneuvers.