1617 SOCS: Surgical On-Call Simulation. (12th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Castelhano, R; Gurung, P; Waters, C; Win, K; Coleman, N; Schneiders, H
• Is Part Of: British journal of surgery. Volume 108:Supplement 6(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-12
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab259.913
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1323

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Simulation is a well-known method of effectively teaching Medical students. The majority of the simulation scenarios are related to Medicine. Surgical simulation is a gap within the curriculum, especially Surgical on-call simulations. To improve this, we ran simulation sessions designed to replicate a General Surgery themed on-call shift that junior doctors should be able to manage. We aimed to improve confidence in clinical prioritisation and confidence in being an on-call Junior doctor, managing the most common on-call surgical tasks. Method: Groups of 3-4 final year Medical students participated in a 2 hour-long simulated "on-call" shift, throughout the hospital. There were 8 scenarios, which ranged from prescribing to acute clinical scenarios. Students were given bleeps and were called at set times. They had to receive/give handovers and prioritise tasks according to clinical importance. A debrief following the session focussed on prioritisation and highlighted key learning points. The students completed a pre- and post-session questionnaire as assessment. Results: The percentage of students who felt confident or very confident in the following domains were compared pre- and post-simulation respectively: confidence in clinical prioritisation (17% vs 86%); confidence in prescribing medication (0% vs 14%); confidence in escalation to seniors (33% vs 71%). 87.5% of the participants felt the session was an effective way to learn how to prioritise clinical tasks, and 100% felt this an effective way to learn about common General Surgical queries whilst on-call. Conclusions: This project demonstrates how simulation is effective in improving confidence in prioritisation and knowledge within clinical practice, especially surgery.