Use of Low-Cost Task Trainer for Emergency Department Thoracotomy Training in General Surgery Residency Program.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Emergency department thoracotomy (EDT) is a critical, albeit uncommon, procedure requiring specialized skills.
• Traditional teaching methods may not adequately prepare residents for emergency scenarios.
• A need exists for effective, accessible training tools for low-frequency, high-stakes procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of a low-cost EDT trainer versus discussion-based teaching for surgical residents.
• To assess the face validity and realism of the low-cost EDT trainer.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, 2-phase randomized controlled study involving 9 senior surgery residents.
• Group 1 received discussion-based training; Group 2 used a low-cost EDT simulator.
• Performance was assessed via video review using a checklist, knowledge retention tests, and reaction surveys.

Main Results:

• Simulation-based training (Group 2) resulted in significantly higher procedural skill scores compared to discussion-based training (Group 1).
• The simulation group demonstrated a faster decision-to-start time.
• While discussion-based training improved knowledge scores, simulation training maintained high confidence and realism ratings.

Conclusions:

• Low-cost EDT simulation effectively enhances surgical residents' procedural skills and confidence in a simulated setting.
• Simulation-based training provides deliberate practice opportunities crucial for mastering rare procedures.
• Further use of low-cost simulators can improve resident performance in emergency interventions.