Can simulation-based training help surgical trainees perform better on surgical ward rounds? A scoping review

Oral Presentation 2
Dr Midhun Mathew, Dr Ogulcan Yilmaz

Can simulation-based training help surgical trainees perform better on surgical ward rounds? A scoping review

INTRODUCTION: Surgical ward rounds are an important part of hospital care as they allow members of a multidisciplinary team to make patient-centred choices (1). See one do one teach one form of clinical education as explained by Halstead’s paradigm, is a traditional teaching method and can negatively impact patient care if it remains solely in its current form (2). It is also deficient in teaching inter-personal aspects of ward rounds such as communication with patients and colleagues. Simulation can aid the transition from learning medicine to applying it by allowing practice and repetition in a safe setting that simulates real-life scenarios. Simulation provides trainees with a safe, high-fidelity environment that enhances the retention of information and allows junior doctors to gain transferrable skills which can then be used in the clinical setting (3).

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to review the literature and describe evidence for improved surgical ward round competence through simulation-based training.

METHODS: A comprehensive search of Medline and Google Scholar databases for studies on surgical ward rounds and simulation between 2013 & 2021 was performed using the following Boolean operators: Surgical ward rounds, Teaching rounds, Simulation-based training OR High-Fidelity Simulation Training, Simulation training AND surgery. The inclusion criteria included exclusively surgical trainees who must have participated in simulation-based surgical ward rounds. Randomised controlled trials, review articles, simulation studies, interview studies, comparative studies, and clinical audits were included. Eleven studies were chosen for this review and was reported according to the PRISMS-ScR protocol.

OUTCOMES: The review suggests that simulation training is an economical and feasible addition to surgical training. It draws light on the fact that adequate ward simulation training allows surgical trainees to engage in impactful interactions with patients and colleagues. It also allows trainees to develop verbal and non-verbal skills through these simulative scenarios. Furthermore, it can develop their abilities to organize the entire interaction in the real ward setting. This improvement will lead to more effective patient/doctor communication, which has a favorable impact on patient safety.

CONCLUSION: This review concludes that majority of the surgical trainees feel simulated ward rounds are educationally useful and the skills acquired are easily transferable to real settings. The reduced working hours and decreased hands-on practice in today’s hospital settings have escalated the need for an alternative source of training. Using simulated surgical ward rounds effectively provides practice and non-judgmental feedback on the performance of the trainees.