Facilitators and Barriers to Implementation of Simulation Based Education in Vascular Surgery in Europe

Abstract

Objective: This study explored the status and availability of simulation based education (SBE) for learning vascular surgical procedures identified in the 2019 General Needs Assessment in vascular surgery in Europe (GNA-2019) and identified facilitators and barriers to SBE implementation in vascular surgery.

Methods: A three round iterative survey was distributed via the European Society for Vascular Surgery and the Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes. Members from leading committees and organisations within the European vascular surgical community were invited to participate as key opinion leaders (KOLs). Three online survey rounds explored demographics, SBE availability, and facilitators and barriers to SBE implementation.

Results: Overall, 147 KOLs (target population 338) accepted invitation to round 1, representing 30 European countries. The dropout rates for rounds 2 and 3 were 29% and 40%, respectively. Most respondents (88%) were senior, consultant level or higher. No mandatory SBE training was required in their department before training on patients, according to 84% of the KOLs. There was high consensus on the need for structured SBE (87%) and mandatory SBE (81%). SBE is available for the top three prioritised procedures in GNA-2019 (basic open skills, basic endovascular skills, and vascular imaging interpretation) in 24, 23, and 20 of the 30 represented European countries, respectively. The highest ranking facilitators were structured SBE programmes, availability of simulation equipment locally and regionally, good quality simulators, and having a dedicated person running the SBE. The highest ranked barriers were lack of structured SBE curriculum, equipment costs, lack of SBE culture, no or limited dedicated time for faculty to teach in SBE, and clinical work overload.

Conclusion: Based largely on the opinions of KOLs in vascular surgery in Europe, this study revealed that SBE is needed in vascular surgery training and that systematic and structured programmes are required to ensure successful implementation.