Impact of the first learning center of minimally invasive surgery in chile

Abstract

Background: Standardized Simulated Training (SST) has shown to improve both resident and surgeon skills. However, Simulation Centers with validated training programs are scarce and centralized. The current challenge is to provide the surgical community access to these programs. Aim: To describe the first Learning Center (LC), launched during the 90th Chilean Surgical Congress, and to assess its impact and attendees’ perception on simulation in Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) in current surgery residency programs. Materials and Method: Cross-sectional study. LC characteristics are described. A Likert survey was applied to assess its impact and attendees’ perception. Inclusion criteria: to have performed ≥ 1 training sessions. Exclusion criteria: incomplete surveys. Descriptive and non-parametric analytical statistics were applied. Results: The LC was composed of 10 training stations with different difficulty levels. Nine instructors monitored and gave attendees effective feedback. 84 attendees answered the survey adequately. 39% were women. The sample was composed of 41.6% General Surgery Residents, 35.7% Surgeons, 17.9% Medicine Clerks and 4.8% General Practitioners. 85% of participants agreed regarding both the positive impact of the LC as a continuous educational resource during the congress and SST usefulness in development of MIS skills. There were no significant differences according to sex or medical degree. Conclusion: The first LC was widely accepted amongst its participants, constituting a possible permanent resource in the Chilean Surgical Congress. SST in MIS seems to be an accepted resource and perceived as a necessity by the national surgical community.