Effects of Advanced Cardiac Procedure Simulator Training on Learning and Performance in Cardiovascular Medicine Fellows.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2018

Institution/Department

Cardiology

Journal Title

J Med Educ Curric Dev

MeSH Headings

Learning, Thoracic Surgical Procedures, Cardiovascular Agents

Abstract

Background: Simulation-based training has been used in medical training environments to facilitate the learning of surgical and minimally invasive techniques. We hypothesized that integration of a procedural simulation curriculum into a cardiology fellowship program may be educationally beneficial.

Methods: We conducted an 18-month prospective study of cardiology trainees at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Two consecutive classes of first-year fellows (n = 17) underwent a teaching protocol facilitated by simulated cases and equipment. We performed knowledge and skills evaluations for 3 procedures (transvenous pacing [TVP] wire, intra-aortic balloon pump [IABP], and pericardiocentesis [PC]). The index class of fellows was reevaluated at 18 months postintervention to measure retention. Using nonparametric statistical tests, we compared assessments of the intervention group, at the time of intervention and 18 months, with those of third-year fellows (n = 7) who did not receive simulator-based training.

Results: Compared with controls, the intervention cohort had higher scores on the postsimulator written assessment, TVP skills assessment, and IABP skills assessment (

Conclusions: Procedural simulation training may be an effective tool to enhance the acquisition of knowledge and technical skills for cardiology trainees. Future studies may address methods to improve performance retention over time.

ISSN

2382-1205

First Page

2382120518803118

Last Page

2382120518803118

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS