Access the Virtual Hernia Clinic on SAGES LMS
SAGES members can log into the website with their SAGES username and password. Non SAGES members visiting the site for the first time must register for an account.
The Virtual Hernia Clinic (VHC) is an interactive educational program that uses virtual patient simulations to model the fundamental knowledge, decision-making, and comprehensive management strategies utilized in caring for patients with hernias. The goal of the program is to provide surgeons with opportunities to practice and develop the clinical judgment and reasoning skills required to perform hernia surgery.
VHC online cases mirror real-life patient care decisions and their consequences. Each clinical scenario allows learners to practice the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a virtual patient with a simulated hernia in a safe learning environment.
Pricing
- VHC without CME/MOC Credit: The Virtual Hernia Clinic is available FREE OF CHARGE to all registered users.
Anyone may access and review the content. The program is recommended for board eligible/certified practicing surgeons, senior surgical residents and fellows who specialize in general and/or minimally invasive surgery.
- VHC with CME/MOC Credit: There is a $75 per individual fee for users wishing to receive CME/MOC credits for completing the virtual patient simulation/case and self-assessment test/quiz (up to 4.5 CME/MOC credits upon program completion):
Please Note: Users must select “Virtual Hernia Clinic + CME”) upon registration. All associated requirements must be completed, including paid fees in order to receive CME/MOC credits. Credits will not be issued to those who complete the non-cme module.
CME and Credit Hour Information
The Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) designates this enduring materials for a maximum of 4.5 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM . Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Self-Assessment CME Credit, Part 2 of the American Board of Surgery (ABS) Maintenance of Certification Program: This activity has also been designated as Self-Assessment CME credit, which can be used toward fulfilling Part 2 of the ABS MOC program. For additional information on the ABS MOC program and its requirements, visit the ABS website at: https://home.absurgery.org/default.jsp?exam-moc
Overview of Modules:
- General Principles
- Judgment and Clinical Decision-making
- Operative Technique (open/laparoscopic)
- Biomaterials
- Complications
- Patient-centered Outcomes and Values
- Systems Based Practice/Quality Improvement
The Goals of VHC
The Hernia Task Force envisioned the creation of a novel, engaging and practical educational program focused on hernia care, tailored to optimizing adult learning in order to achieve the following goals:
- Improve the quality of patient care by promoting evidence-based approaches to difficult hernia problems
- Assist surgeons in the development of greater clinical decision making ability and surgical skills
- Increase safety and teamwork in the operating room
- Decrease complication rates and improve outcomes of hernia patients
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Identify and manage the inguinal hernia patient
- Describe and apply appropriate operative technique and strategies in the inguinal hernia patient
- Identify and manage factors that may lead to recurrent hernia
- Develop a management plan for the post operative inguinal hernia patient with a suspected recurrent hernia
- Describe and apply appropriate operative technique in patients with a recurrent hernia
- Describe a plan for continuous quality improvement in the prevention and management of recurrence in the inguinal hernia patient
Grant Acknowledgement
SAGES gratefully acknowledges Bard-Davol, Ethicon and the SAGES Education & Research Foundation for their generous educational grants in support of the Virtual Hernia Clinic.
Help Guide
To review FAQ’s regarding the Virtual Hernia Clinic, please visit this link.
For additional questions, please call the SAGES Fundamentals Office at 310-437-0544 ext. 130.
If you are experiencing difficulty with navigating through the Virtual Hernia Clinic, please refer to the HTF User Guide for guidance.