Feasibility of Learner-Led Model Building for Simulation-Based Training in Open Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation
• Anatomy Education

Background:

• Simulation-based training is crucial for surgical skills acquisition.
• Novice learners require effective methods to understand complex anatomy like the inguinal canal for open inguinal hernia repairs (IHR).
• Traditional didactic methods may not fully prepare learners for the practical aspects of IHR.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of novice learners constructing inguinal hernia models for IHR simulation.
• To evaluate the impact of model building on learners' anatomical knowledge, confidence, and technical performance in simulated IHR.
• To determine if learner-led model construction is a cost-effective training tool.

Main Methods:

• A prospective randomized controlled trial involving 48 novice learners (second-year medical students).
• Participants were assigned to either a lecture-only group (control) or a lecture plus learner-led model-building group (intervention).
• Outcomes included self-reported confidence, anatomical accuracy of models, and technical performance during a simulated open IHR.

Main Results:

• Learner-constructed models were anatomically accurate and suitable for training.
• The model-building group showed significantly greater gains in understanding inguinal canal anatomy (p=0.004).
• Intervention participants made fewer errors in external oblique aponeurosis exposure (p=0.03) and wound closure (p=0.05), and were more likely to complete hernia sac resection (p=0.04).

Conclusions:

• Learner-led construction of inguinal hernia models is a feasible and low-cost simulation-based training method for open IHR.
• This approach enhances anatomical understanding and improves specific technical skills in simulated open IHR.
• Minimal materials and instructional resources are required, making it an accessible training strategy.