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Development, implementation, and results of a simulation-based hands-on brachytherapy workshop for medical students
Matthias A Mäurer1,2, Sonia Drozdz3, Juliet Ehrenpfordt3
1Department for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Bachstr. 18, 07743, Jena, Germany. matthias.maeurer@med.uni-jena.de.
Summary
This study developed a simulation-based training for accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) using multicatheter brachytherapy. The hands-on workshop significantly improved medical students' skills and interest in brachytherapy.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Radiation Oncology
- Surgical Simulation
Background:
- New Medical Licensing Regulations 2025 (ÄApprO) necessitate competence-oriented teaching.
- There is a significant need for high-quality radiation oncology education during medical school.
- Developing effective teaching formats for procedures like brachytherapy is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a simulation-based, hands-on medical education format for accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) using interstitial multicatheter brachytherapy.
- To create realistic breast models for teaching palpation and brachytherapy catheter implantation.
- To address the need for improved radiation oncology training in medical curricula.
Main Methods:
- A hands-on brachytherapy workshop was conducted with 70 medical students from June 2021 to July 2022.
- Participants practiced simulated interstitial multicatheter brachytherapy catheter implantation on silicone breast models.
- Skills were assessed via CT scans for catheter placement and standardized questionnaires measuring self-assessed competence and learning experience.
Main Results:
- Participants demonstrated significant improvement in knowledge-based and practical skills related to APBI (mean sum score improved from 42.4 to 16.0, p < 0.001).
- The majority of students reported increased interest in brachytherapy (mean 1.15 on a 6-point Likert scale).
- The silicone breast model was deemed suitable for learning objectives, with high ratings for the learning atmosphere and didactic quality.
Conclusions:
- Simulation-based education for multicatheter brachytherapy effectively enhances self-assessed technical competence in medical students.
- Residency programs should allocate resources for such essential radiation oncology training.
- This course serves as a model for innovative, competence-based teaching formats aligned with medical education reforms.
