Bronchoscopy Simulation Training as a Tool in Medical School Education

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Procedural simulation training is underutilized in medical schools.
• Its impact on anatomical understanding and procedural confidence requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effect of bronchoscopy simulation training on medical students' bronchial anatomy knowledge.
• To evaluate the impact on their technical skills in bronchoscopy.

Main Methods:

• 47 medical students underwent virtual reality bronchoscopy simulation training.
• Knowledge and skills were assessed using the Bronchoscopy Skills and Tasks Assessment Tool (BSTAT) pre- and post-training.
• Paired Student's t tests and regression models analyzed score differences.

Main Results:

• Mean total BSTAT scores significantly improved from 12.3 to 48.0 (p < 0.0001).
• Bronchial anatomy knowledge scores increased from 0.1 to 31.1 (p < 0.0001).
• Navigational skills scores improved from 12.1 to 17.4 (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

• Self-directed bronchoscopy simulation training enhances medical students' anatomy knowledge and technical skills.
• Further research will explore its influence on career choices and skill retention.