BACKGROUND: While initial results suggest that simulation does promote learning, there is a dearth of studies that define the extent to which skills learned through simulation are retained. METHODS: Residents skills were measured upon completion of an initial simulation training (baseline scores) and then every month for 6 months. Analysis was also performed to identify the number of iterations of practice required to regain baseline scores. RESULTS: While skill scores did not deteriorate from baseline after the first 3 months (p = 0.61, p = 0.44, p = 0.2, respectively), all scores (except time elapsed) reflected significant deterioration from the fourth month onward (p < 0.05, p < 0.032, p < 0.02). However the number of practice sessions required to regain baseline scores was significantly less than that required to achieve the baseline skill set (p < 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: Skills learned through simulation show significant deterioration over long periods of time, suggesting that periodic retraining of skills may be necessary to maintain surgical proficiency.
BACKGROUND: While initial results suggest that simulation does promote learning, there is a dearth of studies that define the extent to which skills learned through simulation are retained. METHODS: Residents skills were measured upon completion of an initial simulation training (baseline scores) and then every month for 6 months. Analysis was also performed to identify the number of iterations of practice required to regain baseline scores. RESULTS: While skill scores did not deteriorate from baseline after the first 3 months (p = 0.61, p = 0.44, p = 0.2, respectively), all scores (except time elapsed) reflected significant deterioration from the fourth month onward (p < 0.05, p < 0.032, p < 0.02). However the number of practice sessions required to regain baseline scores was significantly less than that required to achieve the baseline skill set (p < 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: Skills learned through simulation show significant deterioration over long periods of time, suggesting that periodic retraining of skills may be necessary to maintain surgical proficiency.
Authors: Dimitrios Stefanidis; Nicholas E Anton; Lisa D Howley; Eric Bean; Ashley Yurco; Manuel E Pimentel; Cameron K Davis Journal: Am J Surg Date: 2016-11-22 Impact factor: 2.565