A National Needs Assessment to Identify Technical Procedures in Vascular Surgery for Simulation Based Training

L J Nayahangan; L Konge; T V Schroeder; C Paltved; K G Lindorff-Larsen; B U Nielsen; J P Eiberg

doi:10.1016/j.ejvs.2017.01.011

A National Needs Assessment to Identify Technical Procedures in Vascular Surgery for Simulation Based Training

Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2017 Apr;53(4):591-599. doi: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2017.01.011. Epub 2017 Mar 1.

Authors

L J Nayahangan¹, L Konge², T V Schroeder², C Paltved³, K G Lindorff-Larsen⁴, B U Nielsen⁵, J P Eiberg⁶

Affiliations

¹ Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation, The Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark. Electronic address: leizl.joy.nayahangan@regionh.dk.
² Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation, The Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
³ MidtSim - Centre for Human Resources, Central Region of Denmark and Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
⁴ NordSim - Centre for Skills Training and Simulation, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.
⁵ Sim-C - the Simulation Centre of Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
⁶ Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation, The Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Vascular Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.

PMID: 28258884
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2017.01.011

Abstract

Objectives and background: Practical skills training in vascular surgery is facing challenges because of an increased number of endovascular procedures and fewer open procedures, as well as a move away from the traditional principle of "learning by doing." This change has established simulation as a cornerstone in providing trainees with the necessary skills and competences. However, the development of simulation based programs often evolves based on available resources and equipment, reflecting convenience rather than a systematic educational plan. The objective of the present study was to perform a national needs assessment to identify the technical procedures that should be integrated in a simulation based curriculum.

Design and methods: A national needs assessment using a Delphi process was initiated by engaging 33 predefined key persons in vascular surgery. Round 1 was a brainstorming phase to identify technical procedures that vascular surgeons should learn. Round 2 was a survey that used a needs assessment formula to explore the frequency of procedures, the number of surgeons performing each procedure, risk and/or discomfort, and feasibility for simulation based training. Round 3 involved elimination and ranking of procedures.

Results: The response rate for round 1 was 70%, with 36 procedures identified. Round 2 had a 76% response rate and resulted in a preliminary prioritised list after exploring the need for simulation based training. Round 3 had an 85% response rate; 17 procedures were eliminated, resulting in a final prioritised list of 19 technical procedures.

Conclusion: A national needs assessment using a standardised Delphi method identified a list of procedures that are highly suitable and may provide the basis for future simulation based training programs for vascular surgeons in training.

Keywords: Curriculum development; Needs assessment; Simulation; Simulation based education; Vascular surgery.

MeSH terms

Curriculum
Delphi Technique
Denmark
Education, Medical, Graduate / methods*
Health Services Needs and Demand*
High Fidelity Simulation Training*
Humans
Needs Assessment*
Vascular Surgical Procedures / education*