Simulation-based training for intraoperative posterior capsule rupture management: an analysis of nontechnical skills development and the relationship between technical and nontechnical skills.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse development of individual nontechnical skills (NTS) domains after undertaking a previously developed simulation-based training model and analyse the relationship between technical skills (TS) and NTS in ophthalmic surgery. METHODS: The simulation-based training model involved a cataract surgery case complicated by intraoperative posterior capsule rupture. Cataract surgeons underwent the simulation twice, separated by a training intervention. Two blinded independent experts assessed participants' NTS using HUFOES, NOn-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS), and the OSATS global rating scale for TS. Paired t-tests assessed differences in individual NTS domains, with p < 0.05 indicating significance. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to assess the correlation between scores from each scoring system. RESULTS: All NTS domains within HUFOES and NOTSS demonstrated statistically significant improvements secondary to the training intervention. Positive correlations were demonstrated between HUFOES and OSATS scores in the pre- and post-training simulations, r = 0.870 (p < 0.001) and r = 0.861 (p < 0.001), respectively. Positive correlations were also demonstrated between NOTSS and OSATS scores in pre- and post-training simulations, r = 0.849 (p < 0.001) and r = 0.757 (p = 0.001), respectively. Positive correlations were demonstrated between HUFOES and NOTSS scores; r = 0.979 (p < 0.001) (n = 17) and r = 0.959 (p < 0.001) for pre- and post-training simulations, respectively. CONCLUSION: All NTS domains contained within HUFOES and NOTSS demonstrated significant increases following the completion of the simulation-based training model. Positive correlations exist between an ophthalmic surgeon's TS and NTS. This is the first study to report these findings within ophthalmic surgery.

Non-technical skills simulation-based training model for managing intraoperative posterior capsule rupture during cataract surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and implement a simulation-based training model for the management of posterior capsule rupture (PCR) from a non-technical skills (NTS) perspective, and analyse changes in participant's NTS and technical skills (TS). METHODS: The simulation-based training model consisted of two identical PCR simulations with NTS stressors applied, separated by a predominantly NTS focussed training intervention. Participants' TS and NTS were evaluated by two blinded assessors using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS) global rating scale and the HUman Factors in intraoperative Ophthalmic Emergencies Scoring System (HUFOES) respectively. Paired t-tests were used to establish the difference in mean HUFOES and OSATS scores between initial and repeat simulations; p < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. McGaghie's model of translational outcomes for simulation-based learning was used to establish the simulation model's educational status. RESULTS: Seventeen cataract surgeons of varying training grades participated in the simulation-based training model. NTS improved with statistical significance; mean HUFOES scores increased from 48.7 ± 16.6 to 59.2 ± 14.8 (p < 0.001). Mean OSATS scores increased without statistical significance from 16.0 ± 7.3 to 17.9 ± 8.3 (p = 0.07). This simulation model achieved Level 1 (internal acceptability) and Level 2 (contained effects) according to McGaghie's model. CONCLUSIONS: This novel simulation-based training model was designed to improve the NTS required for managing intraoperative PCR, through the provision of an interactive training session. Statistically significant improvements in participants' NTS in combination with statistically insignificant improvements in TS demonstrate that the simulation-based training model has specificity within the NTS domain.