Low-Cost 3D Models for Cervical Spine Tumor Removal Training for Neurosurgery Residents.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Spinal surgery, particularly for cervical pathologies such as myelopathy and radiculopathy, requires a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skill. The complexity of these conditions, often necessitating surgical intervention, underscores the need for intricate understanding and precision in execution. Advancements in neurosurgical training, especially with the use of low-cost 3D models for simulating cervical spine tumor removal, are revolutionizing this field. These models provide the realistic and hands-on experience crucial for mastering complex neurosurgical techniques, filling gaps left by traditional educational methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of 3D-printed cervical vertebrae models in enhancing surgical skills, focusing on tumor removal, and involving 20 young neurosurgery residents. These models, featuring silicone materials to simulate the spinal cord and tumor tissues, provided a realistic training experience. The training protocol included a laminectomy, dural incision, and tumor resection, using a range of microsurgical tools, focusing on steps usually performed by senior surgeons. RESULTS: The training program received high satisfaction rates, with 85% of participants extremely satisfied and 15% satisfied. The 3D models were deemed very realistic by 85% of participants, effectively replicating real-life scenarios. A total of 80% found that the simulated pathologies were varied and accurate, and 90% appreciated the models' accurate tactile feedback. The training was extremely useful for 85% of the participants in developing surgical skills, with significant post-training confidence boosts and a strong willingness to recommend the program to peers. CONCLUSIONS: Continuing laboratory training for residents is crucial. Our model offers essential, accessible training for all hospitals, regardless of their resources, promising improved surgical quality and patient outcomes across various pathologies.

Exploring the reasons of unsuccessful attempts in examination during postgraduate clinical training.

Objective: To explore the reasons of unsuccessful attempt in examination during postgraduate clinical training in Pakistan. METHODS: The qualitative, exploratory study was conducted at the Allied Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan, from December 1, 2022, to February 25, 2023, and comprised postgraduate trainees from different departments who had at least one unsuccessful attempt in examination during their residency programme. Data was collected through direct interviews that were recorded. The data was subjected to thematic narrative analysis. RESULTS: Of the 14 participants, 10(71.4%) were males and 4(28.5%) were females. The maximum number of unsuccessful attempts were 7(7%), followed by 6(14%), 4(7%), 3(14%), 2(42%) and 1(14%). There were 3 main themes; personal factors, training factors, and exam factors. All the themes had subthemes. Conclusion: At the start of the residency programme, postgraduate trainees must be provided with adequate guidance, and a support system must be present during the programme to help them cope with the stress during training.

The height of the operating table affects the performance of residents in combined spinal and epidural anesthesia training by affecting the vision of the puncture needle: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to evaluate whether the operating table height affected the success rate and incidences of complications of combined spinal-epidural anesthesia administered by residents during training. METHODS: One-hundred-and-eighty patients were randomly allocated according to landmarks on the resident's body: umbilicus (group U), lowest rib margin (R), and xiphoid process (X). The success rates of combined spinal-epidural anesthesia, and the incidences of paresthesia and vessel trauma were recorded. RESULTS: There were no differences between the three groups in the success rates of combined spinal-epidural anesthesia, and the incidences of paresthesia and vessel trauma. However, paresthesia during epidural catheter advancement was more common on the left side (66.7%) than the right side (33.3%) (P = 0.03). In group R, the success rate of epidural anesthesia was higher during the residents' third time (100%) than their first time (50%; P = 0.01). Most residents (83%) preferred the table height at which the needle insertion point was at the level of their lowest rib margin. CONCLUSIONS: Neither the success nor the complication of combined spinal-epidural anesthesia in lateral decubitus position during residents' training affected by the operating table height. However, paresthesia was more likely to occur on the left side when a stiff catheter was inserted into the epidural space. It may be better to keep the table height at residents' lowest rib margin. It was not just preferred by most of residents but also better for their training of performing epidural anesthesia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered prior to patient enrollment at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (NCT: ChiCTR1800016078, Principal investigator: Juan Gu, Date of registration: 9 May 2018). Registry URL http://www.chictr.org.cn.

An Innovative Skin Simulation Model to Augment Competency-based Training in Facial Plastic Surgery.

Introduction Competency-based medical education (CBME) approach in the medical curriculum has been introduced globally with the goal of providing flexibility, accountability, and learner-centeredness among medical learners. Traditional surgical skill training in most places has relied on "see one, do one, teach one model," while simulation model-based training has been shown to improve competencies in surgical trainees. We wanted to assess the usefulness of a hydrophilic barrier adhesive foam wound dressing as a novel skin simulation model for learning biomechanics and practice of cutaneous flaps among plastic surgical resident trainees at our institute. Materials and Methods An absorbent, soft polyurethane foam pad located centrally upon a larger polyurethane membrane, coated with a hydrocolloid adhesive, forming an island dressing, was used as a simulation model for this study. It was obtained from the hospital store either after or nearing their expiry dates of clinical use. Plastic surgery residents in different years of training were invited to participate in a simulation workshop, using this novel model, and give their feedback. Results Seventeen residents in different plastic surgery training levels participated in the workshop and gave their feedback on the skin flap simulation model. The simulation model received extremely high (100%) scores on two parameters, namely, utility for flap and suture practice and high scores (88%-94%) for texture, ability to mark, and improving confidence among trainees. Conclusions Adhesive bilayer polyurethane foam can be used as a novel cutaneous skin flap simulation model for understanding the biomechanics of skin flaps and cutaneous flap practice.

Otorhinolaryngology consultations in a multidisciplinary hospital - their effects on residents training on floor.

OBJECTIVE: To determine all types and severity of Otolaryngology consultation requests at our tertiary care center and spectral records of problems related to otorhinolaryngology come across initially by residents which will help in re-shaping residency programmes and enhance patient related care. METHODOLOGY: All otorhinolaryngology consultation received over a three-month period were recorded prospectively. Information collected for each encounter included the time, date, reason for consult at primary service and admission with final ENT diagnosis, any surgical or non-surgical intervention, and basic patient demographics. RESULTS: A total of 127 consults for inpatients were reviewed from April 2020 to June 2020. Out of total, 84 (66.1%) patients were male and 43 (33.8%) were females. Adult patient consultations amounted to 87(68.5%) while 18(14.1%) were in the age range of 6-18 years. Only 4(3.1%) consultations were raised for neonatal patients. Routine consultation were had for 64(50.3%) while 45(35.4%) patients were reviewed as an emergency. Operative interventions were required by 43(33.8%) among which tracheostomy was the most common operative procedure performed in 26(20.7%) patients. If we broadly classified ENT consultations, 40 (31.4%) were of problems related to head and neck region while 38 (29.9%) were related to the laryngology sub-specialty. Most common consultation was for airway assessment in 26(20.7%) patients followed by otorrhoea, in 15 (11.8%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: In inpatients, upper airway assessment, aural discharge and epistaxis were the most frequent complaints for seeking ENT review. This study should prove to be beneficial in forming a curriculum of educational programme for junior residents.

[Evaluation of the training of clinical pharmacy residents in prescription analysis using an ergonomic approach]. / Évaluation de la formation des internes en pharmacie clinique à l'analyse des prescriptions selon une approche ergonomique.

OBJECTIVES: To perform an ergonomic intervention using the methodology of the analysis of the activity of the training process of clinical pharmacy residents in the analysis of prescriptions. METHODS: The evaluation was carried out over two semesters: from May to October 2016 (first study) and from November 2016 to April 2017 (second study). The interviews and observations were conducted by an ergonomist who is an expert in this type of evaluation. The first study was based on observations of the training process and interviews at different time. The second study allowed to support pharmacists and evaluate the changes following the recommendations of the previous study. RESULTS: A total of 6 and 9 residents participated in the first and second study, respectively. During the first study, 6 difficulties were raised which allowed implementation decisions. Feedback from residents on the training process was generally positive for the first part of the training but negative for the last part. The average number of fears expressed by the residents was higher at the beginning (2.9 fears) than at the end (1 fear). CONCLUSIONS: The training process has been adapted to the expectations and feelings of the residents. Follow-up at the beginning and throughout the internship was essential. The next stage of this work will be to evaluate the contribution of the dashboards for monitoring clinical pharmacy skills in the new degree for hospital pharmacy.

On-call duties in hospital pharmacies: National survey and elaboration of a training program for pharmacy residents.

OBJECTIVES: During their residency, pharmacy residents are required to attend a hospital on-call program in order to insure the continuum of care for inpatients. This activity is subject to risks, and requires a prior training. Our aim was to develop and to optimize such a training program. METHODS: To this end, we first established a baseline study of the existing training methods in our hospital and those in the different hospitals of France in which pharmacy residents realize in-house on-call duties, associated with an identification of both pharmacists and students' needs in our institution. These preliminary studies were used to create a transversal, structured and harmonized training program. RESULTS: The results of our national survey highlighted great disparities of training between the establishments and point out the lack of structure, organization and harmonization of the training, which residents expected to be improved. Our training program contains 3 parts: initial theoretical training, initial practical training and continuous training. Beyond the harmonization of the theoretical training's materials between the different sectors of the pharmacy, new tools were introduced like an in-house on-call duty notebook complementary to trainings adapted to note taking, simulation's workshops and interactive quizzes. The training was gradually implemented in our hospital pharmacy, in collaboration with the pharmacists of the different activity sectors. CONCLUSIONS: The next steps of our work will be to assess pharmacists and pharmacy residents' satisfaction about our program and its efficacy.

Application of PBL Mode in a Resident-Focused Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography Training Program: A Perspective of MOOC Environment.

BACKGROUND: Massive open online courses (MOOCs) is a new teaching technology based on a network platform, which can provide more students with the possibility of systematic and repeated learning. Due to the complexity of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), the wide range of knowledge involved, and many knowledge points being difficult to understand, it is difficult to meet the teaching needs of this content with the traditional teaching mode. This study aimed to discuss the application of lecture based learning (LBL) and problem based learning (PBL) in the training of perioperative TEE in the context of MOOCs. METHODS: Sixty residents were randomly divided into two groups to participate in a 5-day perioperative TEE training program. The web-based PBL mode was used in the observation group and the LBL mode was used in the control group, with 30 residents in each group. The teaching effect of the web-based PBL mode was compared with the LBL mode by basic theory test, practice examination, image interpretation and questionnaire. RESULTS: The image interpretation score and the total test score were higher in the observation group than in the control group with statistically significant differences (P<0.001). The results of the questionnaire show that the residents were more satisfied with the web-based PBL mode than the LBL mode (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The web-based PBL method has obvious advantages over the LBL mode in the training of perioperative TEE.

Tutor evaluation on the scoring criterion for non-technical skills in surgeons / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective Non-technical skills (NTS) are necessary to evaluate the comprehensive quality of surgeons.In this study,we proposed the concept of C-NTS,a scoring criterion for NTS based on real scenarios (for example,history taking) and video recording,and verified its practical application effects.Methods Study objects were divided into the tutor group and the student group.The tutor group contained four senior attending physicians in gastrointestinal surgery department of one tertiary hospital (all male with doctor degree).The student group had four rotating surgeons who were randomly selected from the same department in 2018 (two males and two females).Before and after the training,the tutor rated the same anonymous video by C-NTS.One-factor analysis of variance was used to compare the differences between and within the groups,and Kendall concordant coefficient was used to test the consistency by SPSS 22.0.Results After the tutor receiving training,Kendall concordant coefficient was increased from 0.425 to 0.853 and the latter suggested the difference had statistical significance (P=0.017),which confirmed the effectiveness of the training.Conclusion C-NTS has preliminarily solved the difficulty of homogenization of NTS assessment.Relevant C-NTS discussions and trainings for clinical tutors may be beneficial to save time and manpower in clinical teaching and evaluation.

Modularized teaching program on the clinical research training for pathological residents / 中华医学教育探索杂志

To meet the requirement of pathological practice and development,we systematically analyzed the situation of pathological residents training and the importance of initiating the clinical scientific research training.Additionally,we proposed the principle and implementation strategy for clinical scientific research training.According to features of pathological practice,we employed the modularized teaching to divide the training courses into several modules:discussion module for clinical pathology,lecture module for advanced research,and training modules for basic scientific theory,technology and writing skill.With these approaches,the systematic and structured system of standardized residents training is implemented to improve the clinical research ability of pathological residents.

Tutor evaluation on the scoring criterion for non-technical skills in surgeons / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective@#Non-technical skills (NTS) are necessary to evaluate the comprehensive quality of surgeons. In this study, we proposed the concept of C-NTS, a scoring criterion for NTS based on real scenarios (for example, history taking) and video recording, and verified its practical application effects.@*Methods@#Study objects were divided into the tutor group and the student group. The tutor group contained four senior attending physicians in gastrointestinal surgery department of one tertiary hospital (all male with doctor degree). The student group had four rotating surgeons who were randomly selected from the same department in 2018 (two males and two females). Before and after the training, the tutor rated the same anonymous video by C-NTS. One-factor analysis of variance was used to compare the differences between and within the groups, and Kendall concordant coefficient was used to test the consistency by SPSS 22.0.@*Results@#After the tutor receiving training, Kendall concordant coefficient was increased from 0.425 to 0.853 and the latter suggested the difference had statistical significance (P=0.017), which confirmed the effectiveness of the training.@*Conclusion@#C-NTS has preliminarily solved the difficulty of homogenization of NTS assessment. Relevant C-NTS discussions and trainings for clinical tutors may be beneficial to save time and manpower in clinical teaching and evaluation.

Modularized teaching program on the clinical research training for pathological residents / 中华医学教育探索杂志

To meet the requirement of pathological practice and development, we systematically analyzed the situation of pathological residents training and the importance of initiating the clinical scientific research training. Additionally, we proposed the principle and implementation strategy for clinical scientific research training. According to features of pathological practice, we employed the modularized teaching to divide the training courses into several modules: discussion module for clinical pathology, lecture module for advanced research, and training modules for basic scientific theory, technology and writing skill. With these approaches, the systematic and structured system of standardized residents training is implemented to improve the clinical research ability of pathological residents.

Investigation of the case based learning combined with WeChat platform for the residents training of ultrasound / 中华医学教育探索杂志

The training of residents majoring in ultrasound needs not only to pay attention to the teaching of speculative knowledge,but also to "look at pictures and talk",which is based on a large number of diagnostic ultrasound cases,training the residents to find,discover and discriminate the lesions from the ultrasonic images to finally form a sharp recognition and diagnosis ability.This study used the instant messaging tool WeChat to establish a virtual learning platform and implement a case based teaching process through this platform,which can avoid the limitations of time and space,and make the communication between teachers and students faster.According to the questionnaire survey,residents generally believed that the training mode can effectively improve learning efficiency and professional ability and hope to add this training mode to the basis of traditional teaching mode.The results of resident case analysis showed that the diagnostic accuracy of residents gradually increased during the training process.The model of WeChat platform combined with case teaching can provide new ideas and methods for standardized training of resident doctors in ultrasound specialty.

Use and Effectiveness of the Cadaver-Lab in Orthopaedic and Traumatology Education: An Italian Survey.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to provide basic information on the availability and current use of cadaver laboratories in the education of orthopaedic residents and trainees and to determine the interest for the implementation of this type of training. Methods All Orthopaedic residents and trainees who attended a cadaver laboratory organized by SIGASCOT (Italian Society of the Knee, Arthroscopy, Sports Traumatology, Cartilage and Orthopaedic Technology) between 2013 and 2016 were asked to complete a survey on the availability and current use of cadaver laboratories in the education of Orthopaedic residents and trainees. The survey was sent via e-mail to 102 Orthopaedic residents and trainees. All data were analyzed and all responses are presented as counts, percentages, or means. Results Thirty-eight (37.2%) Orthopaedics and traumatology residents and trainees completed the survey and were included in this analysis. Eighteen trainees (18/38; 44.3%) attended a cadaver laboratory focused on lower limb surgery, whereas 20 (20/38; 52.7%) on upper limb surgery. Twenty participants (55.7%) perceived skills laboratory sessions as extremely beneficial to the understanding and becoming familiar with the normal surgical anatomy; moreover, 16 (45.7%) participants considered the cadaver laboratory extremely beneficial to the understanding of a specific surgical technique and very beneficial (44.4%) to become confident with arthroscopic or other specific surgical instruments. Over 60% of participants perceived cadaver laboratory to be very to extremely beneficial to increase confidence and speed in the operating room (OR), and more than a half of them considered skills laboratory sessions to be extremely beneficial to increase participation and decrease the occurrence of damages in the real surgical activity. Conclusion Orthopaedic residents and trainees found the addition of a cadaver laboratory for teaching surgical skills a significant benefit to both their overall education and surgical skills training. Level of Evidence Level IV, survey study.

Exploration of neurology training in clinical professional degree postgraduate and standardized res-idents training / 中华医学教育探索杂志

In the course of the training of clinical specialty degree graduate education and standard-ized training of residents(referred to as"temporary residence"),students are required to obtain"four certifi-cates" in 3 years". Here, our department of Neurology reviewed residents who were trained by this training mode. Their ability of clinical neurological profession, clinical thinking and clinical research was with effective promotion through"one to one"teaching method,the tutor-responsibility system,PBL teaching and literature-reading meeting. The objective is to get the best effect in 3 years, to explore a more suitable training mode for these residents and train high-level clinicians with applied and academic types.

The application of CQI in improving the quality of standardized residents training rotation exami-nation / 中华医学教育探索杂志

The application of continuous quality improvement program in standardized residency training examination in the central Hospital of Shanghai Jiading was introduced to inquire into the way to improve the quality of standardized training of resident doctors. Through the steps of FOCUS-PDCA, we continuously improved the examination content and quality compliance training personnel, and developed the examination process including test, training, supervision, learning and using. After the implementation of the project, the percentage of the departments that meet the residency training examination requirements has been increased from 33.3%to 100%in our hospital. The percentage of the students that passed the licensed medical skills examination was 96.6%in that year. 100%of the students passed the graduation comprehen-sive examination. Year-end evaluation showed that the students' satisfaction degree to the teachers increased from 94.5%to 98.2%. Thus, through the implementation of CQI project, we achieved the goal of promoting teaching and promoting learning.

Evaluation of the orthopaedics and traumatology resident education in Turkey: A descriptive study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to describe the current situation regarding the training, working conditions, future plans, fields of interest and satisfaction of orthopaedics and traumatology residents in Turkey. METHODS: A descriptive survey questionnaire consisting of 24 questions was designed to identify the problems and solution suggestions concerning training of orthopaedic residents. All orthopaedics and traumatology residents who took the 2013 Progress Testing for Speciality in Medicine (UEGS) held by Turkish Orthopaedics and Traumatology Education Council (TOTEK) were surveyed in the class at the end thereof as well as the young orthopaedic surgeons who were reached through the email groups of Turkish Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology - Residents and Young Attendings Council (TOTBID-AGUH). RESULTS: A total of 725 residents and 132 young attendings were surveyed. The most outstanding answers are as follows: 62,7% of the respondents replied to the question "Is there a training program/Is it being applied" as "yes/yes". It was found out that 94,3% of the respondents wanted to be involved in a rotation abroad. The "patient care" was the most common answer, with a ratio of 36,9%, to the question "What's the priority of the department you are studying in?". Regarding work conditions, "many emergency on-calls" was found to be the most important parameter affecting life conditions (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Aiming to identify the challenges that orthopaedics and traumatology residents in Turkey face as regards their training, this survey stands as a pioneering study with a high participation rate. Analysis of survey data highlights the importance of several key factors such as the development of training programs and increasing the time spent with academicians as well as spreading and promotion of log book application.

A Secure and High-Fidelity Live Animal Model for Off-Pump Coronary Bypass Surgery Training.

OBJECTIVE: Existing simulators for off-pump coronary artery (CA) bypass grafting training are unable to provide cardiac surgery residents all necessary skills they need entering the operation room. In this study, we introduced a secure and high-fidelity live animal model to supplement the in vitro simulators for off-pump CA bypass grafting training. DESIGN: The left internal thoracic artery (ITA) of 3 Chinese miniature pigs was grafted to the left anterior descending CA using an end-to-side anastomosis. The free segment of the ITA was fixed on the ventricle surface, making it a simulative CA beating in synchrony with the heart. A total of 6 to 8 training anastomoses were made on each ITA. SETTING: Animal Experiment Center in Fuwai Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: In total, 19 resident surgeons with at least 3 years of cardiac surgery work experience were trained using the new model. Their performances were recorded and reviewed. RESULTS: Simulative coronary arteries were successfully constructed in all 3 animals with no adverse event observed. A total of 19 anastomoses were then completed, 1 pig of 7 anastomoses and the other 2 animals of 6 anastomoses. Time consumption for the anastomosis was 782 ± 107 seconds. Anastomotic leakage was observed in 10/19 procedures. The most frequency site (7/10) was at the toe of the anastomosis. Further, the most common cause was uneven spacing or small margin of the stitches or both. Emergencies occurred during the training process included hypotension (7 procedures), tachyarrhythmia (4 procedures), and low blood oxygen saturation (1 procedure). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the safety and feasibility of our new live pig model in training resident surgeons. The simulative arteries can be easily accomplished and were long enough to place at least 6 anastomoses. Both on lumen diameter and motion status, they were proven to be a good substitution of the CA.