Surgical training with phantoms in strabismus surgery

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Education
• Medical Simulation

Background:

• Ethical and practical considerations necessitate simulation in surgical training.
• Patient safety mandates practice with simulators before live procedures.
• Strabismus surgery training requires specialized simulation models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a strabismus surgery training workshop using phantoms on surgical skills.
• To assess the effectiveness of phantom-based simulation in ophthalmology education.

Main Methods:

• A workshop incorporating theoretical instruction and hands-on practice with realistic strabismus surgery phantoms.
• Utilized the Kirkpatrick evaluation model for subjective learning assessment by students and tutors.
• Administered satisfaction surveys to participants.

Main Results:

• 100% of 26 students and 3 tutors completed the evaluation.
• High overall student satisfaction reported at 8.2 (±0.68).
• Participants included ophthalmology residents and specialists.

Conclusions:

• Phantom-based strabismus surgery training is perceived to enhance skills for safe, independent practice.
• Simulation effectively prepares surgeons for real-world procedures.
• The primary aim of simulation is to improve patient safety in ophthalmic surgery.