Theoretical support is necessary for surgical education. While most instructional resources are excellent at imparting a broad understanding of human anatomy and general concepts, they fall short in addressing the precise details that must be addressed during surgery. These platforms also neglect to concentrate on the different surgical methods of other surgeons.
The apprenticeship concept has historically been the foundation of surgical education and has produced many generations of excellent surgeons. However, the surgical industry is being forced to think about alternate training techniques due to existing difficulties and the high expense of surgical education. A theoretical foundation for the future must be incorporated into surgical education, whether through the creation of new technology or more intensive training.
The surgical field is evolving quickly. Surgical residents are under increasing pressure due to duty-hour constraints and scientific breakthroughs. Additionally, the development of expertise is constrained by time. Therefore, surgical education must change to fulfill these requirements. Adult learning theory can assist surgical education programs by helping them enhance their training curricula.
A remote learning paradigm is one choice for surgical education focused on the future. To supplement in-person instruction, this methodology makes use of video-based learning. It has a track record of accomplishment in non-surgical training.
Practical training is essential to ensure that surgeons can use the new equipment effectively as robotic surgery grows in popularity. Both experienced open and laparoscopic surgeons and new surgeons who are unfamiliar with the technology should bear this in mind. A computer-simulated system can offer a realistic practicing environment at a lower cost than an open operating room.
Trainees can acquire the technical know-how and competency necessary to carry out challenging robotic procedures using computer-simulated systems. Additionally, they offer a chance to compare their advancement to predefined benchmarks. Robotic surgery training is not complete without using a computer-simulated system. The immersive simulation requires learners to carry out brand-new motor and cognitive activities.
Both new and seasoned surgeons can benefit from training in a realistic setting with computer-simulated systems. The surgeon can hone his abilities by programming the robot to replicate different surgical circumstances. Additionally, procedural-specific simulations can monitor performance metrics and be carried out autonomously or under supervision. In this sense, they function as a versatile teaching tool that may offer thorough instruction to first-time users and a helpful practice setting to surgeons with extensive training.
The professional development of a surgeon must include mentoring. Mentors have a variety of functions, including guiding a person's professional development, imparting knowledge about the principles of the industry, and giving performance criticism. These responsibilities can be best performed when the mentor has a specialized interest or talent.
Throughout all phases of their training, surgical residents should have access to mentors as they are invaluable resources. Work performance, engagement, and motivation are all improved by mentoring. From pre-registration through post-registration training, the RACS has argued in favor mentoring throughout the surgical educational process. Over the past few years, it has organized mentoring sessions and examined the mentoring programs of several other medical colleges. Targeted at Trainees, International Medical Graduates, and Fellows, it has created a mentorship resource and toolbox.
Mentors frequently give their time and resources and offer a wealth of knowledge and counsel. By enabling their mentees, they are devoted to raising the standard of patient care. They might even use their funds to purchase tools for their mentees. Additionally to the regular mentoring meetings, mentors are valuable. They conduct consultations, follow up on patient issues, and support patients in challenging situations.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a variety of effects on the surgical community. The amount of elective surgery was decreased, as were the surgical cases. The influence was not consistent, although it was mainly felt in emergency and elective surgery. The capacity of surgical departments was frequently less than 100%, and delays in patient care were frequent. The COVID-19 epidemic raised several concerns, and surgical educators responded with fresh approaches to lessen those concerns' effects on surgeons' training.
Hospitals could not supply surgical trainees with proper personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic, which impacted their ability to study. Only the most crucial employees were permitted to wear PPE due to a shortage of resources. The length of time that surgical education programs could last was thus constrained. Many programs changed to incorporate virtual learning, journal clubs, case discussions, and small group teaching sessions. Additionally, several programs used simulation labs. Residents reported that these virtual learning opportunities enhanced their clinical training. They also mentioned the expanded teacher involvement and adaptability of online learning.
The COVID-19 pandemic's long-term impact has not yet been entirely determined. They must be evaluated to ascertain whether these recommendations are effective in enhancing surgical education.