Implementación del Primer Examen Clínico Objetivo Estructurado (ECOE) para la Certificación de la Especialidad en Anestesiología en Chile

Anesthesiology became the first Chilean medical specialty certification board to incorporate an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) into its certification system. The main reason for the introduction of an OSCE is to include an evaluation that allow candidates to demonstrate what they really "do" in clinical practice domains. Inherent in this justification is that the OSCE detects competences that are not well evaluated in current written and oral exams. This article describes the process of implementing an OSCE in Anesthesiology certification and a description of its application after one year of operation.

Acquiring skills in malignant hyperthermia crisis management: comparison of high-fidelity simulation versus computer-based case study / Adquirir habilidades no manejo de crises de hipertermia maligna: comparação de simulação de alta-fidelidade versus estudo de caso em computador

Abstract Introduction: The primary purpose of this study was to compare the effect of high fidelity simulation versus a computer-based case solving self-study, in skills acquisition about malignant hyperthermia on first year anesthesiology residents. Methods: After institutional ethical committee approval, 31 first year anesthesiology residents were enrolled in this prospective randomized single-blinded study. Participants were randomized to either a High Fidelity Simulation Scenario or a computer-based Case Study about malignant hyperthermia. After the intervention, all subjects' performance in was assessed through a high fidelity simulation scenario using a previously validated assessment rubric. Additionally, knowledge tests and a satisfaction survey were applied. Finally, a semi-structured interview was done to assess self-perception of reasoning process and decision-making. Results: 28 first year residents finished successfully the study. Resident's management skill scores were globally higher in High Fidelity Simulation versus Case Study, however they were significant in 4 of the 8 performance rubric elements: recognize signs and symptoms (p = 0.025), prioritization of initial actions of management (p = 0.003), recognize complications (p = 0.025) and communication (p = 0.025). Average scores from pre- and post-test knowledge questionnaires improved from 74% to 85% in the High Fidelity Simulation group, and decreased from 78% to 75% in the Case Study group (p = 0.032). Regarding the qualitative analysis, there was no difference in factors influencing the student's process of reasoning and decision-making with both teaching strategies. Conclusion: Simulation-based training with a malignant hyperthermia high-fidelity scenario was superior to computer-based case study, improving knowledge and skills in malignant hyperthermia crisis management, with a very good satisfaction level in anesthesia residents.

Resumo Introdução: O objetivo primário deste estudo foi comparar o efeito da simulação de alta-fidelidade versus autoestudo baseado em resolução de casos no computador, a aquisição de habilidades sobre hipertermia maligna em residentes de anestesiologia do primeiro ano. Métodos: Após a aprovação do Comitê de Ética institucional, 31 residentes de anestesiologia do primeiro ano foram inscritos neste estudo prospectivo, randômico e encoberto. Os participantes foram randomizados para um ambiente de simulação de alta-fidelidade (SAF) ou um estudo de caso (EC) em computador sobre hipertermia maligna. Após a intervenção, o desempenho de todos os indivíduos foi avaliado através de um ambiente de simulação de alta-fidelidade utilizando uma rubrica de avaliação previamente validada. Além disso, uma pesquisa de satisfação e testes de conhecimento foram aplicados. Por fim, uma entrevista semiestruturada foi realizada para avaliar a autopercepção do processo de raciocínio e da tomada de decisão. Resultados: Vinte e oito residentes do primeiro ano concluíram o estudo com sucesso. Os escores dos residentes na aquisição de habilidades no manejo da hipertermia maligna foram globalmente maiores no Grupo SAF que no Grupo EC, mas a significância foi em quatro dos oito elementos da rubrica de desempenho: reconhecer os sinais e sintomas (p = 0,025), priorizaras ações iniciais do manejo (p = 0,003), reconhecer complicações (p = 0,025) e comunicação (p = 0,025). As médias dos escores nos questionários de conhecimento pré- e pós-teste melhoraram de 74% para 85% no Grupo SAF e diminuíram de 78% para 75% no Grupo EC (p = 0,032). Em relação à análise qualitativa, não houve diferença nos fatores que influenciaram o processo de raciocínio e de tomada de decisão dos alunos com ambas as estratégias de ensino. Conclusão: O treinamento baseado em simulação com um ambiente de alta-fidelidade de hipertermia maligna foi superior ao estudo de caso em computador, melhorou o conhecimento e as habilidades no manejo de crises de hipertermia maligna, com um nível de satisfação muito bom entre os residentes de anestesia.

La simulación puede mejorar la seguridad de los pacientes sometidos a procedimientos endoscópicos gastrointestinales bajo sedación / Simulation can improve patients’ security in gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures under sedation

background: Appropriate sedation is crucial for a successful gastrointestinal endoscopy procedure (GEP); however, this is associated with adverse events, therefore adequate capacitation in this subject is mandatory. Simulation is an excellent teaching tool but its use in the setting of sedation teaching for GEP has not bee explored. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a simulation course on sedation for GEP procedures done by endoscopist. Methods: A checklist to assess the endoscopists’ sedation performance for GEP was developed. This checklist was used to assess the sedations’ quality before and after a high fidelity sedation simulation course for GEP. Differences before/after the intervention was calculated using the McNemar’s test. A p ≤ 0,05 was considered significant. Results: All participants were assessed 15 times pre and post intervention. After the simulation, there was a significant improvement in patients’ airway assessment, in the level of awareness about patients’ condition during the procedure and in the monitoring after the procedure. All participants considered simulation should be compulsory before obtaining a license to sedate patients. Conclusions: The implementation of a sedation course based on simulation cases directed to endoscopists improved patient safety and sedations’ quality during the procedure. Simulation should be considered as a valid teaching tool, which is an enormous challenge to the anaesthesiologists.

Introducción: Una adecuada sedación contribuye al éxito de un procedimiento endoscópico gastrointestinal (PEG); sin embargo, esto puede estar asociado a eventos adversos, siendo importante la capacitación al respecto. La simulación es una excelente herramienta docente, pero su uso en la enseñanza de sedación para PEG no ha sido explorada. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el impacto de un curso de sedación para PEG dirigido a endoscopistas basado en simulación. Materiales y Métodos: Se diseño una lista de cotejo para evaluar la calidad de la sedación impartida por endoscopistas durante PEG. Con dicho instrumento se determinó la calidad de la sedación antes y después de un curso de simulación de alta fidelidad sobre sedación para PEG. La magnitud de las diferencias secundario a la intervención se calcularon utilizando el test de McNemar. Una p ≤ 0,05 se consideró significativa. Resultados: Todos los participantes fueron evaluados 15 veces antes y después de la intervención. Después de la intervención, mejoró significativamente la evaluación de vía aérea, el nivel de alerta por las condiciones del paciente durante el procedimiento y el seguimiento posterior. Todos los participantes consideraron que la simulación debería ser obligatoria antes de obtener privilegios clínicos. Conclusiones: La implementación de un curso de sedación basados en simulación dirigidos a endoscopistas mejora la calidad de esta y la seguridad del paciente durante el procedimiento. La simulación debe ser considerada como una estrategia de enseñanza válida en este contexto lo que plantea un gran desafío a todos los anestesiólogos.

Evaluación de docentes clínicos de Postgrado: desarrollo y propiedades psicométricas del instrumento MEDUC-PG14 / Development of MEDUC-PG14 survey to assess postgraduate teaching in medical specialties

Background: Feedback is one of the most important tools to improve teaching in medical education. Aim: To develop an instrument to assess the performance of clinical postgraduate teachers in medical specialties. Material and Methods: A qualitative methodology consisting in interviews and focus-groups followed by a quantitative methodology to generate consensus, was employed. After generating the instrument, psychometric tests were performed to assess the construct validity (factor analysis) and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha). Results: Experts in medical education, teachers and residents of a medical school participated in interviews and focus groups. With this information, 26 categories (79 items) were proposed and reduced to 14 items (Likert scale 1-5) by an expert’s Delphi panel, generating the MEDUC-PG14 survey, which was answered by 123 residents from different programs of medical specialties. Construct validity was carried out. Factor analysis showed three domains: Teaching and evaluation, respectful behavior towards patients and health care team, and providing feedback. The global score was 4.46 ± 0.94 (89% of the maximum). One teachers’ strength, as evaluated by their residents was “respectful behavior” with 4.85 ± 0.42 (97% of the maximum). “Providing feedback” obtained 4.09 ± 1.0 points (81.8% of the maximum). MEDUC-PG14 survey had a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.947. Conclusions: MEDUC-PG14 survey is a useful and reliable guide for teacher evaluation in medical specialty programs. Also provides feedback to improve educational skills of postgraduate clinical teachers.

Incorporación de paciente virtual en portafolio de estudiantes de medicina de pregrado / Introduction of virtual patients to clinical case portfolios for undergraduate medical students

Background: In 2007, a Clinical-Case-Portfolio (CCP) was introduced as a new assessment instrument for fourth grade undergraduate medical students. Since then, several changes have been implemented such as reduction on the number of clinical cases, peer review and the introduction of virtual patient to the portfolio. Aim: To describe the virtual patient model incorporated to the CCP and assess the perception of this change and its effects on the performance of undergraduate students. Material and Methods: Virtual patients were implemented based on prototype clinical cases with specific syndromes. Students’ perceptions about CCP before and after the introduction of virtual patients were evaluated using a validated questionnaire that was answered voluntarily and anonymously. Results: Overall perception of CCP significantly improved after the incorporation of virtual patients (97.1 ± 24.9 and 111.3 ± 25.7 points; 57.8 and 66.2% respectively). The same improvements were observed for the domains “Student Learning”, “Organization and Evaluation”, “Teaching Methodology” and “Integration”. In both years, students obtained high grades in CCP evaluations. However CCP grades were not significantly correlated with integrated final grades. Conclusions: The incorporation of virtual patients improved undergraduate students’ perception of CCP.

Awareness, consecuencias de una experiencia estresante: [revisión] / Anesthesia awareness: [review]

Anesthesia awareness, or "unintended intra-operative awareness" occurs during general anesthesia, on the operating table, when a patient has not had enough general anesthetic or analgesic to prevent consciousness or waking up during surgery. According to international studies its global incidence ranges from 0.1 to 0.2 percent. Its impact on people can be as severe as other traumatic experiences such as natural disasters, violent fights or sexual abuse. The prevalence of symptoms compatible with post traumatic stress disorder can be as high as 50 percent, after experiencing the awareness phenomenon. This paper reviews the main issues of the awareness phenomenon.