Effect of Simulation-based Training on Surgical Proficiency and Patient Outcomes: A Randomised Controlled Clinical and Educational Trial.

BACKGROUND: It is hypothesised that simulation enhances progression along the initial phase of the surgical learning curve. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether residents undergoing additional simulation, compared to conventional training, are able to achieve proficiency sooner with better patient outcomes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This international, multicentre, randomised controlled trial recruited 94 urology residents with experience of zero to ten procedures and no prior exposure to simulation in ureterorenoscopy, selected as an index procedure. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomised to simulation or conventional operating room training, as is the current standard globally, and followed for 25 procedures or over 18 mo. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The number of procedures required to achieve proficiency, defined as achieving a score of ≥28 on the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS) scale over three consecutive operations, was measured. Surgical complications were evaluated as a key secondary outcome. This trial is registered at www.isrctn.com as ISCRTN 12260261. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 1140 cases were performed by 65 participants, with proficiency achieved by 21 simulation and 18 conventional participants over a median of eight and nine procedures, respectively (hazard ratio [HR] 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72-2.75). More participants reached proficiency in the simulation arm in flexible ureterorenoscopy, requiring a lower number of procedures (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.39-2.02). Significant differences were observed in overall comparison of OSATS scores between the groups (mean difference 1.42, 95% CI 0.91-1.92; p < 0.001), with fewer total complications (15 vs 37; p = 0.003) and ureteric injuries (3 vs 9; p < 0.001) in the simulation group. CONCLUSIONS: Although the number of procedures required to reach proficiency was similar, simulation-based training led to higher overall proficiency scores than for conventional training. Fewer procedures were required to achieve proficiency in the complex form of the index procedure, with fewer serious complications overall. PATIENT SUMMARY: This study investigated the effect of simulation training in junior surgeons and found that it may improve performance in real operating settings and reduce surgical complications for complex procedures.

The need for supportive mental wellbeing interventions in bladder cancer patients: A systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: There is an increased awareness of the effect of a bladder cancer diagnosis and its treatments on the mental wellbeing of patients. However, few studies have evaluated the efficacy, feasibility and acceptability of interventions to improve this mental wellbeing. This systematic review is the first phase of the Medical Research Council Framework for developing complex interventions and provides an overview of the published mental wellbeing interventions that could be used to design an intervention specific for BC patients. METHODS: This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines in January 2019 and studies were identified by conducting searches for Medline, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Ovid Gateway. All included studies met the following criteria: mental wellbeing interventions of adults with medically confirmed diagnosis of any type of urological cancer, reported outcomes for specific HRQoL domains including psychological factors. The quality of evidence was assessed according to Down and Black 27-item checklist. RESULTS: A total of 15,094 records were collected from the literature search and 10 studies matched the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of these, nine interventions were for patients with prostate cancer and one for patients with kidney cancer. No studies were found for other urological cancers. Depression was the most commonly reported endpoint measured. Of the included studies with positive efficacy, three were group interventions and two were couple interventions. In the group interventions, all showed a reduction in depressive symptoms and in the couple interventions, there was a reduction in depressive symptoms and a favourable relationship cohesion. The couple interventions were the most feasible and acceptable, but further research was required for most of the studies. CONCLUSION: While awareness of the importance of mental wellbeing in bladder cancer patients is growing, this systematic literature review highlights the gap of feasible and acceptable interventions for this patient population.

Current Status of Simulation and Training Models in Urological Surgery: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: Increased awareness of patient safety, advances in surgical technology and reduced working times have led to the adoption of simulation enhanced training. However, the simulators available need to be scientifically evaluated before integration into curricula. We identify the currently available training models for urological surgery, their status of validation and the evidence behind each model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MEDLINE®, Embase® and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for English language articles published between 1990 and 2015 describing urological simulators and/or validation studies of these models. All studies were assessed for level of evidence, and each model was subsequently awarded a level of recommendation using a modified Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine classification, adapted for education by the European Association of Endoscopic Surgeons. RESULTS: A total of 91 validation studies were identified pertaining to training models in endourology (63), laparoscopic surgery (17), robot-assisted surgery (8) and open urological surgery (6), with a total of 55 models. Of the included studies 6 were classified Level 1b, 9 Level 2a, 39 Level 2b and 19 Level 2c. Of all the training models the URO Mentor™ was the only one to receive a level of recommendation of 1. CONCLUSIONS: UroSimulation is a growing field and increasing numbers of models are being produced. However, there are still too few validation studies with a high level of evidence demonstrating the transferability of skills. Nevertheless, efforts should be made to use the currently available models in curriculum based training programs.

The Relationship Between Technical And Nontechnical Skills Within A Simulation-Based Ureteroscopy Training Environment.

OBJECTIVE: Little integration of technical and nontechnical skills (e.g., situational awareness, communication, decision making, teamwork, and leadership) teaching exists within surgery. We therefore aimed to (1) evaluate the relationship between these 2 skill sets within a simulation-based environment and (2) assess if certain nontechnical skill components are of particular relevance to technical performance. DESIGN: A prospective analysis of data acquired from a comparative study of simulation vs nonsimulation training was conducted. Half of the participants underwent training of technical and nontechnical skills within ureteroscopy, with the remaining half undergoing no training. All were assessed within a full immersion environment against both technical (time to completion, Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills, and task-specific checklist scores) and nontechnical parameters (Nontechnical Skills for Surgeons [NOTSS] rating scale). The data of whole and individual cohorts were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient. SETTING: The trial took place within the Simulation and Interactive Learning Centre at Guy's Hospital, London, UK. PARTICIPANTS: In total, 32 novice participants with no prior practical ureteroscopy experience were included within the data analysis. RESULTS: A correlation was found within all outcome measures analyzed. For the whole cohort, a strong negative correlation was found between time to completion and NOTSS scores (r = -0.75, p < 0.001), with strong positive correlations identified when NOTSS scores were compared with Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (r = 0.89, p < 0.001) and task-specific checklist scores (r = 0.91, p < 0.001). Similar results were observed when each cohort was analyzed separately. Finally, all individual nontechnical skill components demonstrated a strong correlation with all technical skill parameters, regardless of training. CONCLUSIONS: A strong correlation between technical and nontechnical performance exists, which was demonstrated to be irrespective of training received. This may suggest an inherent link between skill sets. Furthermore, all nontechnical skill sets are important in technical performance. This supports the notion that both of these skills should be trained and assessed together within 1 curriculum.