Journal of surgical education
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Comparative Study
Surgical simulators and hip fractures: a role in residency training?
Orthopedic surgery residency training requires intellectual and motor skill development. In this study, we utilized a computer-based haptic simulator to examine a potential model for evaluation of resident proficiency and efficiency in the placement of a center guide wire during fixation of an intertrochanteric proximal femur fracture. We hypothesize the junior residents will utilize more fluoroscopy and require more time to complete the task. ⋯ In this study, we displayed that based on our simulator model there was no statistical difference between Group I and II in time to completion, final placement on anterior/posterior (A/P) view, and tip-apex distance. There was a statistically significant difference in the anterior/posterior placement of the wire in lateral view between the 2 groups, fluoroscopy time, and number of attempts per trial. Our findings suggest a computer-based surgical simulator can identify measurable differences in surgical proficiency between junior and senior orthopedic surgery residents and may play an expanding role in resident education.
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To evaluate and compare self-reported surgical experience and comfort levels of Canadian thoracic surgery trainees and junior thoracic surgeons (<5 years in practice) with respect to core thoracic surgery procedures. ⋯ The results of this study help to characterize the comfort levels of thoracic trainees and new attending thoracic surgeons with core thoracic procedures and might assist training programs in identifying and improving areas of weakness.
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Comparative Study
Assessing the status of thoracic surgical research and quality improvement programs: a survey of the members of the Canadian Association of Thoracic Surgeons.
Assessing the degree of involvement and participation in thoracic surgical research as well as surgical quality improvement conducted across Canadian institutions is difficult as no common data collection system and no prior studies exist. As a pilot investigation, we designed and conducted a membership survey of the Canadian Association of Thoracic Surgeons (CATS) to evaluate the extent of participation in research and quality improvement processes among thoracic surgeons. ⋯ A high level of interest and participation exists in thoracic surgery research. However, more robust quality improvement processes are needed for thoracic surgical oncology services. A national thoracic surgery quality improvement database offers a potential means to improve practice effectiveness, standardize surgical outcomes, and promote thoracic research across Canada.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Effectiveness of laparoscopic computer simulator versus usage of box trainer for endoscopic surgery training of novices.
Teaching of laparoscopic skills is a challenge in surgical training programs. Because of the highly technical nature and the steep learning curve, students and residents must learn laparoscopic skills before performing them in the operating room. To improve efficiency of learning and patient safety, research in simulation is essential. Two types of simulators currently in use include virtual reality and box trainers. Our study examined which simulator technique was most effective in teaching novice trainees laparoscopic techniques. ⋯ We conclude that laparoscopic simulator training improves surgical skills in novice trainees. We found both the box trainers and the virtual reality simulators are equally effective means of teaching laparoscopic skills to novice learners.