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Current Status of Simulation Use in Canadian Cardiac Surgery Training Programs
Abigail White1, Gurmeet Singh2, Michael C Moon1
1Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
The Canadian Journal of Cardiology
|May 8, 2021
Summary
Canadian cardiac surgery programs use simulation but not to its full potential. Educators and residents desire more simulation training to supplement operating room experience.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Education
- Medical Simulation
- Cardiac Surgery Training
Background:
- The traditional apprenticeship model in cardiac surgery is challenged by duty hour restrictions and complex procedures.
- Limited operating room experience necessitates supplementary training methods for surgical residents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current utilization of simulation in Canadian cardiac surgery programs.
- To evaluate the perspectives of Canadian cardiac surgery educators and residents on simulation training.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to cardiac surgery residents and faculty surgeons across all 12 Canadian academic institutions.
- Data collection focused on the frequency, types of simulators used, and perceived deficiencies in simulation sessions.
Main Results:
- Simulation is implemented in all 12 Canadian academic cardiac surgery programs, averaging 3-4 sessions annually.
- Anastomotic task trainers and porcine heart models are the most frequently used simulators.
- Simulation sessions often lack defined learning objectives and formal evaluations.
- Both residents and faculty expressed a strong interest in increased simulation use.
Conclusions:
- Simulation is recognized and utilized in Canadian cardiac surgery education, but its application is suboptimal.
- While simulation cannot replace direct surgical experience, its enhanced use is crucial as an adjunct to training.
- Optimizing simulation integration is vital to address contemporary challenges in surgical education.
