Validation of a Structured Training and Assessment Curriculum (STAC) for Technical Skill Acquisition in Minimally Invasive Surgery. A Randomized Controlled Study
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Unity Health Toronto
- Enrollment
- 20
- Locations
- 2
- Primary Endpoint
- Technical skills
Study Overview
Brief Summary
This study describes the development and validation of a structured training and assessment curriculum (STAC) for a basic laparoscopic procedure. The investigators hypothesized that residents trained using the STAC curriculum would demonstrate superior technical skills in the operating room compared to residents that were trained using a traditional curriculum.
Detailed Description
The objective of this study was to develop and validate an ex-vivo comprehensive curriculum for a basic laparoscopic procedure. Although simulators have been well validated as tools to teach technical skills, their integration into comprehensive curricula is lacking. Moreover, neither the effect of ex-vivo training on learning curves in the operating room (OR), nor the effect on non-technical proficiency has been investigated. This randomized single-blinded prospective trial allocated 20 surgical trainees to a structured-curriculum (STAC) group or conventional residency training. The STAC curriculum consisted of: case-based learning, proficiency-based virtual reality training, laparoscopic box training, and OR participation. After completion of the intervention, all participants performed 5 sequential laparoscopic cholecystectomies in the OR. The primary outcome measure was the difference in technical performance between the 2 groups during the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Secondary outcome measures included differences with respect to: learning curves in the OR, technical proficiency of each sequential laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and non-technical skills.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Masking
- Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility Criteria
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •post graduate year 1 and 2 general surgical residents
- •completed less than 10 laparoscopic cholecystectomies or appendectomies as the primary surgeon
Exclusion Criteria
- Not provided
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Technical skills
Time Frame: 6 months
Participants' technical skills will be assessed in the operating room as they perform a laparoscopic cholecystectomy under supervision. The procedure will be video-recorded and sent for assessment to a blinded evaluator. Technical skills will be assessed using a previously validated technical skills assessment tool (Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill - OSATS)
Secondary Outcomes
- cognitive knowledge(6 months)