Implementation and evaluation of a dilation and evacuation simulation training curriculum.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation
• Gynecologic Procedures

Background:

• Dilation and evacuation (D&E) is a common gynecologic procedure.
• Effective training is crucial for resident physicians performing D&E.
• Simulation offers a safe environment to develop surgical skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a simulation curriculum on resident physicians' D&E procedural performance.
• To assess the transfer of skills learned in simulation to the operating room.

Main Methods:

• Development of a D&E simulation curriculum using a novel uterine model.
• Two-phase evaluation: simulation-based training and intra-operative assessment.
• Measurement of procedural time, checklist completion, and Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS).

Main Results:

• Residents showed significant improvement in D&E checklist scores and procedural time during simulation training (p<.001).
• Intra-operative OSATS scores improved significantly with subsequent cases (p=.001 to p=.005).
• Residents demonstrated increased case completion rates after simulation training.

Conclusions:

• A D&E simulation curriculum effectively enhances resident technical skills.
• Mastery learning techniques in simulation translate to improved operating room performance.
• Simulation-based training is a valuable tool for improving D&E procedural competency.