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

• Published in: European journal of vascular and endovascular surgery 2017-04, Vol.53 (4), p.591-599
• Main Authors: Nayahangan, L.J, Konge, L, Schroeder, T.V, Paltved, C, Lindorff-Larsen, K.G, Nielsen, B.U, Eiberg, J.P
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Curriculum; Curriculum development; Delphi Technique; Denmark; Education, Medical, Graduate - methods; Health Services Needs and Demand; High Fidelity Simulation Training; Humans; Needs Assessment; Simulation; Simulation based education; Surgery; Vascular surgery; Vascular Surgical Procedures - education
• ISSN: 1078-5884; 1532-2165
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2017.01.011

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.