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Simulation training for the endoscopic management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a nationwide survey of rural surgeons’ needs and preferences analysis

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Abstract

Background

Published needs analyses of rural surgeons have identified a need for training in the endoscopic management of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB). The study aim was to survey rural surgeons regarding their requirements and preferences for a simulation model on which they could rehearse the endoscopic management of NVUGIB.

Methods

Rural surgeons were contacted via the American College of Surgery Advisory Council listserv and invited to complete an online survey.

Results

A total of 66 responses were received, representing all 4 US regional divisions. Seventy-seven percent of respondents perform > 100 endoscopy cases per year. A majority have no experience with simulation models (77%), citing cost, time, and access to training courses as the three most limiting factors. Thirty-three percent lacked confidence in managing UGIBs, and 73% were interested in receiving additional training. Preference analysis revealed that respondents preferred a portable simulation model (81%) that costs between $500 and $1000 (46%), and requires 1–2 weeks of training (34%). Verbal feedback from an expert was viewed as the most helpful type of feedback (61%).

Conclusion

Rural surgeons frequently perform flexible endoscopy in their practice and are interested in further training for the endoscopic management of NVUGIB. These results will be used to develop a simulation platform for training in the endoscopic management of NVUGIB that meets rural surgeons’ needs.

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Acknowledgements

This investigation was supported by the University of Utah Population Health Research (PHR) Foundation, with funding in part from the National Center for Research Resources and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, through Grant 5UL1TR001067-05 (formerly 8UL1TR000105 and UL1RR025764)

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6550 Fannin Street, Smith Tower 1661, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Shawn M. Purnell, John J. Nguyen-Lee & Brian J. Dunkin

  2. Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA

    Shawn M. Purnell & Daniel J. Vargo

  3. Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center, Cambridge, USA

    Michael Sarap

  4. Methodist Institute of Technology, Innovation, and Education, Houston, USA

    Brian J. Dunkin

  5. Center for Clinical and Translational Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA

    Chelsea Allen

Authors
  1. Shawn M. Purnell
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  2. Daniel J. Vargo
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  3. Michael Sarap
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  4. John J. Nguyen-Lee
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  5. Chelsea Allen
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  6. Brian J. Dunkin
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Correspondence to Shawn M. Purnell.

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Disclosures

Dr. Brian Dunkin is employed by Boston Scientific. Drs. Shawn Purnell, Daniel Vargo, Michael Sarap, Joseph Nguyen-Lee, and Chelsea Allen have no conflicts of interest or financial ties to disclose.

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Purnell, S.M., Vargo, D.J., Sarap, M. et al. Simulation training for the endoscopic management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a nationwide survey of rural surgeons’ needs and preferences analysis. Surg Endosc 35, 333–339 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-020-07405-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-020-07405-x

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