Simulation-based education with deliberate practice may improve intraoperative handoff skills: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Communication
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Effective intraoperative handoffs are crucial for patient safety.
• Current methods for teaching and assessing these skills are often inadequate.
• Simulation offers a controlled environment to practice complex communication tasks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of simulation-based education incorporating deliberate practice on resident handoff skills.
• To assess the long-term retention of these acquired skills.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving 10 residents (CA-1 to CA-3) using a one-day simulation course.
• Residents practiced intraoperative handoffs using a checklist, repeating simulations for deliberate practice.
• Handoff performances were videotaped and assessed for accuracy before, immediately after, and one year post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The initial communication failure rate was 29.7%.
• Following simulation-based education with deliberate practice, the failure rate decreased to 16.8%.
• At one year post-course, the failure rate further reduced to 13.2%.

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based education combined with deliberate practice effectively enhances intraoperative handoff communication skills.
• The study demonstrates significant skill retention at the one-year follow-up, suggesting a lasting impact.