Video Skills Curricula and Simulation: A Synergistic Way to Teach 2-Layered, Hand-Sewn Small Bowel Anastomosis

Background: We sought to determine if general surgery (GS) interns could learn a side-to-side, 2-layered, hand-sewn small bowel anastomosis (HSBA) using an online instructional video and low-fidelity simulation model.

Methods: A 3-hour HSBA technical skills training session was held among GS interns. Participants were asked to write down the steps for performing a side-to-side, 2-layered HSBA (pretest). An online 13-minute instructional video on HSBA was then viewed. Low-fidelity bowel simulators were then provided for deliberate practice under staff supervision. A posttest (identical to pretest) concluded the session. The maximum test score was 20 points. At 4 months later, a retention test was administered. Trainees were anonymously surveyed to determine the session's educational value. Pretest, posttest, and retention test scores were compared.

Results: Participants were 25 GS interns. The mean pretest score was 5 (range: 0-11). Posttest scores improved (mean = 15; range: 11-19, p = 0.016), whereas retention test scores were stable (mean = 14; range: 8-18). Of those who participated in retention testing (24/25), 7 had now performed a 2-layered HSBA, 11 had witnessed HSBA, and 6 had neither performed nor witnessed an HSBA since the educational session. Retention test scores were higher among those who had performed HSBA (mean = 16; range: 13-18) vs those who had not performed nor witnessed an HSBA (mean = 14; range: 8-18, p = 0.04). Mean Likert scores supported the educational value of the session.

Conclusion: Initial intern performance of HSBA was abysmal. A contemporary online video skills curriculum coupled with low-fidelity bowel simulators improved trainee knowledge of how to perform a 2-layered HSBA. This effect remained stable over 4 months.