Training for excellence: using a multimodal videoconferencing platform to coach surgeons and improve intraoperative...

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Medical Simulation
• Continuing Professional Development

Background:

• Lifelong learning and surgical expertise acquisition require structured Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• Limited opportunities exist for longitudinal, structured learning for surgeons in practice.
• Peer-to-peer coaching is a potential solution but faces logistical constraints and lacks efficacy evidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if remote, video-based coaching enhances operative performance in surgeons.
• To assess the feasibility and educational value of virtual coaching platforms for surgical training.

Main Methods:

• Early career surgeons participated in remote coaching sessions using a virtual telestration platform.
• Coaches provided feedback by annotating surgical videos.
• Mentee performance was evaluated using a modified Intraoperative Performance Assessment Tool (IPAT).

Main Results:

• Total Intraoperative Performance Assessment Tool (IPAT) scores significantly increased from baseline to 6-month follow-up (p=0.03).
• Significant improvement was observed in the Advanced Cognitive Skills domain (p<0.01).
• No significant improvement was noted in psychomotor skills; 85-100% of participants found value.

Conclusions:

• Remote surgical coaching via virtual platforms is feasible and educationally valuable.
• Challenges in scheduling and case alignment hinder widespread adoption.
• The study highlights the potential of remote coaching for improving surgical decision-making and performance.