Postgraduate medical procedural skills: attainment of curricular competencies using enhanced simulation-based mastery learning at a novel national boot camp

Abstract

A new UK medical postgraduate curriculum prompted the creation of a novel national medical postgraduate ‘boot camp’. An enhanced simulation-based mastery learning (SBML) methodology was created to deliver procedural skills teaching within this national boot camp. This study aimed to explore the impact of SBML in a UK medical boot camp. Methods One-hundred and two Scottish medical trainees attended a 3-day boot camp starting in August 2019. The novel enhanced SBML pathway entailed online pre-learning resources, deliberate practice, and simulation assessment and feedback. Data were gathered via pre- and post-boot camp questionnaires and assessment checklists. Results The vast majority of learners achieved the required standard of performance. Learners reported increased skill confidence levels, including skills not performed at the boot camp. Conclusion An enhanced SBML methodology in a boot camp model enabled streamlined, standardised procedural skill teaching to a national cohort of junior doctors. Training curricular competencies were achieved alongside increased skill confidence.