Sarah E Wilson, Chanaka Kahathuduwa, PhD, Quang N Nguyen, MBA, Theophilus Pham, MBA, Amir Aryaie, MD. Texas Tech Health Sciences Center
INTRODUCTION: A course evaluation study on the effectiveness of improving laparoscopic skills of surgical residents using swine models was evaluated through a self-report questionnaire administered before and after course completion. The purpose of the training is to provide surgical residents opportunities to practice and advance their laparoscopic proficiencies.
METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Participating residents in all post-graduate year levels (PGY1 through PGY5, n=17) were provided anesthetized pigs with which to perform a variety of simple to complex laparoscopic cases. Prior to training, residents were given a questionnaire composed of eleven questions requiring the subjects to rate their confidence in performing various laparoscopic procedures on a 1-5 Likert scale. After completion of the course, an identical questionnaire was distributed with two additional questions relating to the overall impact of the course.
All statistical analyses were conducted using R statistical software (version 3.1.2). Missing individual responses were imputed using the mice package (version 2.30) in R. A composite score was derived for each subject by averaging and comparing the responses to the eleven questions at both time points (pre-training and post-training) with and without control of an individual’s post-graduate year (PGY) via a paired t-test and a simple linear regression model.
RESULTS: Responses to the questionnaire had a reasonable internal consistency in each of the pre-training and post-training administrations (Cronbach’s α = 0.0934 and 0.912, respectively). Exposure to the training program significantly improved confidence in performance, as evidenced by a significant increase in the composite score (Δ = 0.565, 95%CI = 0.281, 0.850, p < 0.001). This improvement remained significant, even after controlling for PGY (p = 0.0175). PGY was not significantly associated with change of the composite score (P = 0.434). On average, the participants rated the lab to be very helpful (4.294 ± 0.686 on a 5-point Liker scale) and indicated preference to attend the lab 4 times a year (4.000 ± 1.173).
CONCLUSION: Overall, one-day hands-on training using swine models improved resident’s skills, confidence, and understanding of laparoscopic surgery. The information acquired through the questionnaire emphasized the importance of providing a laparoscopic training course as a standard requirement at all medical institutions. Allowing opportunities for surgical residents to practice their laparoscopic skillset will not only help in their individual academic advancements, it will allow them to provide optimum care for their patients.
Presented at the SAGES 2017 Annual Meeting in Houston, TX.
Abstract ID: 87313
Program Number: P346
Presentation Session: iPoster Session (Non CME)
Presentation Type: Poster