RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Simulation provides low-risk opportunities for surgical trainees to learn and practice fundamental skills. One simulation tool for orthopaedics is the Arthroscopic Knot (ArK) Trainer, which has been validated as an effective simulation tool across multiple methodologies. Previous studies have investigated the ArK Trainer in its basic form using clear plexiglass, which allows direct visualization of tissue anchors. PURPOSE: Using a mixed-methods approach, we assessed and compared junior and senior trainees' Seoul Medical Center (SMC) knot-tying performance under direct and indirect visualization. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Fourteen orthopaedic surgery postgraduate trainees at a single medical school were recruited to participate. Trainees tied SMC knots using the Ark Trainer under direct and indirect visualization. A mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate knot-tying proficiency and characterize participants' approach to knot-tying. Knot-tying proficiency was evaluated using validated tools: a task-specific checklist (TSC), a global rating scale (GRS), and a proficiency scale (PS). Participants' approach to knot-tying was characterized using Likert-type questionnaires and semistructured interviews. An α level of .10 was set a priori owing to the small pool of trainees. RESULTS: The 14 participants included 7 junior residents (postgraduate years [PGYs] 1 and 2) and 7 senior residents (PGY ≥3), of whom 3 were fellows (PGY 6). Senior trainees outperformed junior trainees on both versions of the ArK Trainer: clear (GRS, P = .055; PS, P = .075) and covered (TSC, P = .05). Overall, participants performed better under direct visualization conditions (GRS, P = .05). In semistructured interviews, significantly more senior trainees discussed relying on haptic cues while tying knots under direct visualization (P = .021). The majority of trainees agreed that both versions of the ArK Trainer were realistic and appropriate practice formats for their level of training. CONCLUSION: Senior trainees were significantly more experienced than were junior trainees in arthroscopic skill and outperformed them on both configurations: direct (PS and GRS) and indirect (TSC) visualization. Experienced trainees were significantly more likely to report using tactile cues to aid knot-tying under indirect visualization. It is likely that inexperienced trainees rely more heavily on direct visualization and that the use of tactile cues may be an indicator of knot-tying proficiency. Trainees recommended progression from direct to indirect visualization configurations for inexperienced learners.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Lynch syndrome (LS), an autosomal dominant cancer syndrome, is the most common cause of hereditary colon cancer. Currently, however, less than 5% of patients with LS have been identified. Reflex-testing programs (in which tumors of patients with colorectal cancer are routinely evaluated for LS) have been proposed for better identification of affected individuals, yet the uptake of these programs within health care systems is limited. This study explored the structure, implementation challenges, and future directions of existing international population-based reflex LS testing programs. METHODS: The study identified existing reflex-testing LS programs through the current literature and through a qualitative sampling approach. Key informants from each program were interviewed. Qualitative data were analyzed using a grounded theory analytic technique approach. RESULTS: The interviews were completed by 26 informants across seven identified programs. Three key themes were identified: (1) tension between a program imposed on stakeholders (a top-down approach) versus initiation of the program at the stakeholder level (bottom-up approach), (2) identification of pathologists as drivers of program success, and (3) strategies to optimize possible LS patients liaising with genetic counselors. Barriers to successful implementation included lack of stakeholder engagement and concerns regarding cost. Facilitators included strong administration to coordinate patient tracking and flexibility during the implementation process. CONCLUSIONS: Existing reflex-testing LS programs have varying structures, standards, and protocols. Program design can have a direct effect on the uptake of genetic testing. These are important considerations in the large-scale planning of LS reflex-testing programs within health systems.
