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Educational value of telementoring for a simulation-based fundamental use of surgical energy™ (FUSE) curriculum: a randomized controlled trial in surgical trainees

  • 2020 SAGES Oral
  • Published:
Surgical Endoscopy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Introduction

The SAGES Fundamental Use of Surgical Energy (FUSE) program accompanied by a bench-top simulation has shown to improve knowledge of the safe use of energy devices. However, there are significant barriers and costs associated with delivering an effective structured simulation curriculum to a widespread international audience. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if bench-top simulation FUSE curriculum through telementoring is as effective as a live-in house proctor for electrosurgical training.

Methods

A two-armed multi-institutional randomized controlled trial was designed, including a 1-h didactic electrosurgery course (FUSE curriculum), followed by a structured 1-h bench-top simulation training session. For the simulation, participants were randomized to either a live proctor who delivered the course on-site (LIVE group), or a proctor from a remote location using videoconferencing platform (TELEM group). Pre- and post-curriculum (immediate and 6 months) knowledge and self-perceived comfort and competence were assessed. Data are expressed as median [interquartile range], *p < 0.05.

Results

Sixty-five (35 LIVE; 30 TELEM) surgical trainees from three institutions participated. Baseline characteristics were similar. Total score on the exam improved from 47% [40–54] to 78% [71–84]* amongst all participants, with similar immediate post-curriculum scores in the LIVE group compared to the TELEM group (77% [69–83] vs 80% [75–85]). At 6 months, performance on the exam declined significantly for both groups, but remained similar between the two (LIVE: 59% [51–71] vs TELEM: 71% [57–77]). Participants in both groups reported feeling greater comfort and competence post-curriculum (immediate and at 6 months) compared to baseline, with no difference between the two groups.

Conclusion

A bench-top simulation FUSE course delivered via a telementoring platform seems to improve surgical trainees’ knowledge and comfort in the safe use of electrosurgical devices as effectively as when it is delivered by a live proctor, despite long-term decay for both methods.

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Acknowledgements

This study was sponsored by a grant provided by the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons grant in 2016 titled: “2016 - Educational Value of Telementoring for a Simulation-Based Fundamental Use of Surgical Energy™ (FUSE) Curriculum: A Randomized-Controlled Trial in Surgical Trainees”

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of General and Bariatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, 600 Moye Boulevard, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA

    Maria S. Altieri

  2. Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA

    Heather Carmichael, Edward Jones & Thomas Robinson

  3. Department of Surgery, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, NY, USA

    Aurora Pryor

  4. Department of Surgery, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Amin Madani

Authors
  1. Maria S. Altieri
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  2. Heather Carmichael
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  3. Edward Jones
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  4. Thomas Robinson
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  5. Aurora Pryor
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  6. Amin Madani
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Maria S. Altieri.

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Disclosures

Dr. Pryor is a speaker for Ethicon, Gore, Merck and Stryker, and a consultant for Medtronic. She has research support from Baronova and Obalon. Drs. Altieri, Madani, Carmichael, Robinson, and Jones have no conflicts of interest or financial ties to disclose.

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Altieri, M.S., Carmichael, H., Jones, E. et al. Educational value of telementoring for a simulation-based fundamental use of surgical energy™ (FUSE) curriculum: a randomized controlled trial in surgical trainees. Surg Endosc 34, 3650–3655 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-020-07609-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-020-07609-1

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