Development and Implementation of a Simulation-Based Educational Workshop on Gynecological Brachytherapy: Pilot Study at a National Meeting

Purpose: Despite the importance of brachytherapy in the curative treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer, reviews of practice patterns in the United States have identified a decline in brachytherapy use in clinically appropriate patient populations. A survey of radiation oncologists identified lack of time and lack of guidance as barriers. To address these barriers, the purpose of this study was to develop a simulation-based educational (SBE) gynecologic brachytherapy workshop.

Methods and materials: The SBE gynecologic brachytherapy workshop was developed with expertise from 2 institutions, combining procedural simulation with a practical discussion of brachytherapy applicator insertion techniques. The primary outcome was feasibility of workshop deployment, defined as completion of all workshop components in the time allotted. Preworkshop and postworkshop surveys were also administered to assess efficacy, a secondary outcome.

Results: The workshop took place at a national radiation oncology meeting, and all workshop components were completed in the 2 hours allotted. SBE stations focused on (1) fiducial placement, (2-3) applicator selection, (4) suturing, and (5) pelvic examination and applicator placement. Fourteen participants completed surveys. Respondents included residents and attending physicians. More than 50% of respondents were from academic practices and practiced gynecologic brachytherapy weekly or more. Curricular objectives for this workshop were for ≥20% trainees to report increased confidence in practice and ≥20% of trainees to report increased familiarity with applicators. After participation in the workshop, confidence in applicator choice improved in 9 of 13 participants (69%), confidence in complication management improved in 8 of 13 participants (62%), and familiarity with applicators improved in 7 of 13 participants (54%). These differences were statistically significant at α = .05.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated feasibility in using simulation for gynecologic brachytherapy education at a national meeting. Although most respondents were experienced in brachytherapy, more than half reported increased confidence and familiarity with aspects of the procedure after the workshop. Future work should address interstitial needle placement and improved time management of workshop stations.