Introduction: The Face and Construct Validity of a CNS developed microsurgical educational module has been previously validated. The module assesses baseline and post course knowledge as well as microsurgical skills using a modified Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills scale (OSATS). This module was modified to have residents repeat the skills after feedback. This module has been used to educate residents in Europe, India and at the CNS annual simulation courses, since the year 2012. The module was used to educate residents at the Congresso Brasileiro de Neurocirurgia, which was held in Curitiba, Brazil, September 2014. Analyzing data in different resident populations taught by different faculty allows further validation of the module and may create opportunities for module improvements. Our objective is to assess microsurgical simulation module and its corresponding objective assessment scales as educational tools on a training residents.
Methods: A microanastomosis module was attended by Brazilian Neurosurgical residents who attended the conference. In addition to an initial screening survey, each module was divided into 4 components: (1) a pre-didactic cognitive knowledge testing, (2) a didactic , (3) a post-didactic cognitive knowledge and pre-feedback technical skills testing, and (4) a post-feedback technical skills testing. Trainees’ cognitive and technical scores from the pretesting and the post-testing phases were compared. Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to test for statistical significance.
Results: A total of 43 residents from 16 Neurosurgery programs in Brazil attended the course. The knowledge test mean scores increased from 63% to 82% (p<0.05). The practical hands on simulation assessment mean scores increased from 57% to 73% (p<0.05) after the feedback.
Conclusions: Data from the course suggests beneficial impact of the CNS microsurgery simulation module in an additional resident population. This adds further validity to the module.
Patient Care: Building towards competent future physicians.
Learning Objectives: Simulation based curricula can enhance residents' skills