An appropriate simulation-based training for surgical technology students.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Technology Training
• Simulation-Based Learning

Background:

• Developing effective educational plans for surgical technology students is challenging.
• Simulation offers a flexible training method, usable alone or combined with traditional approaches.
• Evidence is needed to optimize simulation integration into surgical technology curricula.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of simulation training versus traditional methods for surgical technology students.
• To evaluate the impact of a combined traditional and simulation training approach.
• To inform the development of an optimal simulation-based educational plan.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental study involving 28 surgical technology students in 2019.
• Students were divided into two groups, receiving traditional training method (TTM) and simulation training method (STM) in different orders.
• Knowledge, clinical skills, and readiness-capability were assessed using the KCSRC checklist before and after training.

Main Results:

• Group α, starting with TTM followed by STM, showed significant increases in all assessed scores (p < 0.0001).
• The combined approach, particularly TTM followed by STM, demonstrated the most significant positive effect on student outcomes.
• Mean scores for knowledge, skills, and readiness-capability improved substantially in the group receiving the blended education.

Conclusions:

• An educational plan beginning with traditional training and progressing to simulation training is more effective for surgical students.
• This sequential blended approach enhances long-term learning and skill acquisition.
• Simulation-based education, when strategically combined, offers significant benefits for surgical technology training.