Background: Resuscitative thoracotomies are a time-sensitive emergency surgical procedure with an immediate risk of mortality. We hypothesize that a high-fidelity whole-body donor simulation model, referred to as a Knowledge Donor (KD), with mechanical lung ventilation and expired human blood perfusion could increase learner confidence in performing this critical procedure.
Methods: General surgery residents and faculty were invited to participate in KD training. Surveys were collected to track participation and confidence.
Results: Simulated resuscitative thoracotomies were performed involving PGY levels I-IV. Mean confidence was highest for residents with both KD and Live Patient experience (5.6 ± 1.7), followed by Live Patient only (4.3 ± 2.5), and KD only (2.6 ± 1.3). The mean confidence rating for residents with neither training opportunity was 1.4 ± 1.0.
Conclusions: The KD platform is a hyper-realistic training modality that closely replicates live surgery. This platform allows residents to practice complex surgical procedures in a safe environment, without risking patient safety. This pilot program yielded early results in improving resident procedural confidence for high-risk surgical procedures, specifically resuscitative thoracotomies.
Keywords: Clinical competence in surgical education; High fidelity surgical simulation; Knowledge donor; Procedural resident training; Thoracotomy; Whole body donor.
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