Effect of surgical simulator training on student and live animal outcomes in a feline ovariohysterectomy teaching laboratory.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of training with a high-fidelity surgical simulator on outcomes of live animals and students participating in a feline ovariohysterectomy teaching laboratory. STUDY DESIGN: Nonrandomized controlled trial. SAMPLE POPULATION: Cats (n =&#x2009;186) and students (n =&#x2009;146). METHODS: Live animals were paired with student surgeons. Outcomes for animals and students were evaluated over two consecutive years before (year 1: NO SIM) and after (year 2: SIM) the introduction of a graded student teaching laboratory conducted on a high fidelity surgical simulator. Live animal surgical times and postoperative pain scores using the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale - Feline acute pain scale as well as self-declared student confidence were assessed and the scores of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: The duration of the live animal surgical procedure was on average 6&#x2009;min shorter in the SIM group (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;.04). A pain score triggering intervention (>&#x2009;=&#x2009;5/20) occurred less frequently in the SIM group (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;1/82) than in the NO-SIM (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;16/104) group (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;.01). Similarly, rescue analgesia was administered less frequently (4/82 vs 16/104, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;.03) in the SIM group. Student confidence prior to the live animal procedure was higher (median&#x2009;=&#x2009;7/10 [IQR&#x2009;=&#x2009;6-8]) in the SIM group than in the NO-SIM group (median&#x2009;=&#x2009;6/10 [IQR&#x2009;=&#x2009;4-7]) (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;.01). CONCLUSION: Surgical simulator training prior to live animal procedures improves live animal outcomes and student confidence. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Surgical simulator competency should be considered a prerequisite to participation in live animal teaching laboratories. This would improve both animal welfare and the student experience.