Purpose: Evaluate the impact of abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) simulation model and curriculum on resident confidence, knowledge, and ability.
Background: Work hour restrictions, treatment advances and increased utilization of minimally invasive surgery has led to completion of fewer TAHs by Ob/Gyn residents. Simulation-based training can augment operative experience.
Methods: At the start of their oncology rotation, residents participated in a new TAH curriculum. Curriculum included instruction on surgical instruments and performing a TAH using a low-fidelity, reproducible simulation model. Pre-, post-, and end-of-rotation surveys were completed evaluating confidence, knowledge, satisfaction, and educational impact.
Results: Production of TAH simulation models for 1 year of curriculum required 2.5 hours of time at a cost of $3.25 per model. In the first 6 months, 100% of residents (n=12) felt that the simulation was “very” or “extremely effective” and 73% reported the overall quality of the simulation was “excellent.” Overall confidence improved with mean composite confidence scores of 12.25, 14.55, and 15.9, pre-sim, post-sim, and end-of-rotation respectively (p=0.0451). Experienced residents ( >5 prior hysterectomies) had higher confidence scores than inexperienced residents; however, improvements in confidence were not impacted by level of experience (p=0.3442). The majority of residents reported a high educational impact of the simulation, with 91% of residents reporting a score of 4 or 5 (5-point Likert scale) for the simulation’s impact on knowledge and visualization of the surgical steps.
Discussions: This low cost, reproducible TAH simulation curriculum can be an effective adjunct in surgical education to improve residents’ confidence and knowledge in performing abdominal hysterectomies.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2023, Resident, Faculty, Residency Director, Medical Knowledge, Practice-Based Learning & Improvement, GME, Simulation,
Meredith Newton, MD; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; AnnaMarie Connolly, MD; Leslie Clark, MD
