SimLife model: introducing a new teaching device in endocrine surgery simulation

Abstract

To evaluate the validity and reliability of an innovative training model for endocrine surgical procedures. A simulator training model for endocrine procedures (SimLife) was developed at an academic center. The model consisted of a realistic operating environment with a coherent simulated patient dynamized by pulsatile vascularization with simulated blood warmed to 37 °C, and ventilation. Training sessions were designed for adrenal and thyroid surgery, as well as neck dissection. The primary outcome of interest was to evaluate learners’ performance and satisfaction. Learners’ performance was evaluated based on a scoring scale that followed the Downing method for the assessment of competency. While learners’ satisfaction was evaluated using a Likert scale of 1 to 10 on four items (ease of learning, anatomic correspondence of landmarks, realism, and overall satisfaction). Participants were engaged in 32 training sessions. These included 24 adrenalectomies (conventional and laparoscopic both transabdominal and posterior), and 4 thyroid lobectomies with concomitant functional lateral compartment neck dissection. competency scores were procedure-specific addressing specific core components of a given procedure. Learners’ performance scored above average in all procedures evaluated. Satisfaction scores for the specified four items ranged between 8.43 (SD 0.87) and 8.89 (SD 0.96). No major events were reported for the adrenalectomies, while only one jugular vein injury occurred during neck dissection. SimLife is a hyper-realistic training model that allows for satisfactory acquisition of skills and the evaluation of performance progression. It has the potential to become a cornerstone in specialized surgical training. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s13304-020-00871-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Virtual Case-Based Learning: Nova Estratégia de Ensino e de Treinamento Médico Digital Humanizado em Cardiologia

“…[6][7][8] No entanto, por se tratar de uma proposta de ensino-aprendizagem presencial, com a utilização de manequins ou pacientes simulados, programas quantitativos e qualitativos de pesquisa são necessários para comprovar os resultados alcançados nos diferentes contextos, para que possam ser replicados e sintetizados na ciência educacional. 9 Com base nos paradigmas educacionais e nas necessidades ainda não contempladas, um modelo inédito de aprendizagem simulada muito próximo do real, denominado "Virtual Case-Based Learning (VCBL)", foi desenvolvido e testado. O VCBL oferece uma solução potencial para as limitações de simulações tradicionais, ao considerar o ensino híbrido (presencial e remoto) para uma melhor experiência presencial com o paciente, sem comprometer a sua segurança.…”

Letter to editor: “Sim life model: introducing a new teaching device in endocrine surgery simulation”

“…We read with interest the article "Sim life model: introducing a new teaching device in endocrine surgery simulation" by Donatini et al [1], and this article was presented and discussed in our departmental journal club. We congratulate the authors on their effort to introduce a new teaching device and this may have lasting effect on the teaching and training of endocrine surgery trainees including theoretical part of surgical training, surgical communication, and counseling [2].…”

“Sim life model: introducing a new teaching device in endocrine surgery simulation”. Author’s commentary

“…Our previous experience, published in 2020 on Updates in Surgery, was the first submission of SimLife model in Endocrine Surgery ever [1]. Since then, the First French National Workshop has been held in Poitiers in June 2021, in collaboration with AFCE (French Association for Endocrine Surgery) to provide training for junior surgeon and chief residents.…”

“…At the end of each practical part, a debriefing session is performed aiming to exchange between trainees and faculty' teachers and to provide experience's return, discussing overall results and to highlight technical point which should be improved [1,2]. The aim is also to re-evaluate in a further session the trainees to assess amelioration of skills.…”

“…The SimLife Endocrine Surgery Model is new model of simulation which evolves also after each session to provide better experience and training. Nevertheless, its an advanced simulation model which should be used at the end of resident's full training, dedicated to those young surgeons aiming to develop a career in endocrine surgery [1].…”