Development, Organisation and Implementation of a Surgical Skills 'Boot Camp': SIMweek

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Annual junior doctor changeovers are linked to increased hospital mortality and reduced efficiency.
• A structured simulation course can mitigate challenges faced by new surgical interns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a framework for developing and implementing an intensive simulation course for graduating medical students transitioning to surgical intern roles.
• To enhance preparedness and reduce anxiety for incoming surgical interns.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review using keywords 'surg*', 'boot', 'camp' was conducted.
• Analysis of reports on the development, implementation, and evaluation of surgical intern simulation courses or 'boot camps'.

Main Results:

• Eighteen relevant articles were identified and analyzed.
• Hands-on training sessions, particularly mock pages, were highly valued by interns.
• Didactic lectures were identified as the least effective component of existing courses.

Conclusions:

• A proposed framework for developing, organizing, and implementing an intensive simulation course for surgical interns.
• Such a course can facilitate the transition from student to intern, potentially improving patient safety.
• Simulation training may decrease clinician anxiety during this critical career stage.