A structured, extended training program to facilitate adoption of new techniques for practicing surgeons

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TEP) offers benefits over open repair but is underutilized.
• Traditional training methods often fail to translate into widespread surgical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive training program in facilitating the adoption of TEP by practicing surgeons.
• To assess the sustained implementation and surgeon confidence in performing TEP post-training.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive, multi-faceted training program was developed by experts in simulation, coaching, and hernia care.
• Three experienced open hernia repair surgeons participated, receiving simulation, coaching, and precepted case training.
• Participants were evaluated throughout the program and surveyed one year post-completion for sustained TEP adoption.

Main Results:

• Two of three surgeons completed the full program; one dropped out due to time and case volume limitations.
• High ratings were given to orientation, hands-on training, and precepted cases.
• At one year, both completing participants routinely performed TEP and reported high confidence.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive educational program can lead to full and sustained adoption of TEP.
• Program feasibility, acceptability, and affordability are supported, though time, cost, and case volume are key factors.