OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the face, content and construct validity of the Distributed Simulation (DS) environment for non-technical skills training and for endourology technical skills training.
To evaluate the educational impact of DS for urology training.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Distributed Simulation offers a portable, low cost simulated operating room environment (OR) that can be set up in any open space. A prospective mixed methods design using established validation methodology was conducted in this simulated environment with ten experienced and ten trainee urologists. All participants performed a simulated prostate resection in the DS environment. Outcome measures included surveys to evaluate the DS, as well as comparative analyses of experienced and trainee urologist's performance using real time and blinded video analysis and validated performance metrics. Non-parametric statistical methods were used to compare differences between groups.
RESULTS: The DS environment demonstrated face, content and construct validity for both non-technical and technical skills. Kirkpatrick level 1 evidence for the educational impact of the DS environment was demonstrated. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of simulated OR training on real OR performance.
CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated the validity of the DS environment for non-technical, as well as technical skills training. DS-based simulation appears to be a valuable addition to traditional classroom based simulation training.
Written by:
Brewin J, Tang J, Dasgupta P, Khan MS, Ahmed K, Bello F, Kneebone R, Jaye P. Are you the author?
Kings Health Partners, Guy's and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust.
Reference: BJU Int. 2014 Jul 23. Epub ahead of print.
doi: 10.1111/bju.12875
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25053251
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