Trainee Experience in Simulation-Based Education of Open Vascular Surgery

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation
• Vascular Surgery Training

Background:

• Simulation is crucial for vascular surgery training, but its optimal use requires ongoing refinement.
• This study evaluates current simulation-based training for open vascular skills by analyzing trainee experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify areas for improvement in open vascular surgical skills simulation training.
• To characterize the simulation training experiences of vascular surgery trainees.

Main Methods:

• A survey study was conducted at a national vascular surgery meeting's simulation course.
• 150 participants (65% vascular fellows) completed a 17-question survey on training and comfort levels.
• Surveys assessed formal training, simulation exposure, and comfort with open vascular procedures.

Main Results:

• Only 48% had formal suturing/instrument training; most had basic/advanced vascular technique training.
• Simulation was used in 71% of basic technique and 60% of open surgical training.
• Participants found simulation skills transferable (59%) but were uncomfortable with abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (68%).

Conclusions:

• A significant number of trainees lack simulation-based education.
• Current simulation focuses on trainee needs like aneurysm repair, but doubts about applicability persist.
• Further research is needed on simulation access and its translation to operating room practice.