Interns' Day in Surgery: improving intern performance through a simulation-based course for final year medical...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Healthcare Simulation

Background:

• Transitioning from medical student to intern is linked to anxiety and reduced job performance.
• Lack of confidence in basic clinical tasks contributes significantly to junior doctor stress.
• Investigating simulation-based training to enhance intern preparedness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a half-day simulation-based course on final year medical students' confidence.
• To evaluate improvements in specific clinical task competencies.
• To determine if simulation training reduces pre-internship anxiety.

Main Methods:

• Final year medical students participated in a half-day simulation course at Royal Hobart Hospital.
• The course involved multiple stations requiring students to perform intern-level surgical tasks.
• Student confidence in performing tasks was surveyed before and after the course.

Main Results:

• The majority of students found the "Interns' Day in Surgery" course beneficial.
• Significant improvements were noted in case presentation (57.5% to 94.6%) and communication skills (55.5% to 75.5%).
• Follow-up surveys confirmed the sustained benefits of the course for practicing doctors.

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based courses offer valuable learning opportunities for final year medical students.
• The study confirms significant skill gains and perceived benefits from the simulation course.
• This training facilitates a smoother transition to clinical practice, enhancing patient care.