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Joyce B, Carr D, Smart A, Armour D, Gormley GJ. Learning better together? A scoping review of in-person interprofessional undergraduate simulation. Adv Simul (Lond) 2025; 10:24. [PMID: 40301989 PMCID: PMC12042576 DOI: 10.1186/s41077-025-00351-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2025] [Indexed: 05/01/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the increasing complexity of contemporary clinical practice, there has never been a more important time to provide interprofessional educational (IPE) activities across the learning continuum to develop collaborative practice. From the outset of health professional training, it is crucial that students not only develop their own professional skills but also gain an awareness of the capabilities of other healthcare professionals and how best to work collaboratively. Despite simulation being a common teaching modality in many undergraduate curricula, little is known about the range of interprofessional activities within these settings. Therefore, this study aims to address the following research question: What is known about undergraduate in-person (IP) simulation-based education (SBE)? METHODS We conducted a scoping literature review, adhering to the PRISMA-ScR extension guidelines, and used the Arksey and O'Malley framework. Our search covered three electronic databases: Web of Science (WOS), MEDLINE, and Embase. We utilised Covidence systematic review software to assist in screening articles. To support data charting, we developed a data extraction tool and employed both qualitative and quantitative techniques through numerical and thematic analysis to ensure a comprehensive representation of our data. RESULTS A total of 97 studies were included, with most publications originating from the USA, UK, and Australia. Two main themes emerged regarding the impact of IP SBE at an individual level: confidence and role identification. Several themes related to the impact on teams included knowledge of other professional roles/values, communication, and teamwork. The studies identified various barriers and enablers to simulation, particularly logistical barriers and financial challenges associated with complex technologically enabled simulation. Faculty collaboration and resources were reported as primary enablers in facilitating the delivery of simulation activities. CONCLUSIONS The impact of IP-SBE on learners and interprofessional teams is predominantly positive, with reported benefits including increased confidence, enhanced role identification, and improved communication and teamwork skills. However, challenges such as logistical barriers and resource constraints highlight the need for collaborative faculty efforts and adequate infrastructure to support IP-SBE implementation. Despite the growing interest in IP-SBE, there remains a notable lack of standardised reporting on simulation design and debriefing processes in both teaching practice and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brona Joyce
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences Education, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Davina Carr
- Centre for Medical Education, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Alison Smart
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Dakota Armour
- Centre for Medical Education, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Gerard J Gormley
- Centre for Medical Education, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
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Fan EY, Megafu O, Lee J, Robinson SA, Bernal ES, Cleary M, Simons JP. Diversifying the Surgical Workforce: Understanding Barriers to Inform Solutions. JOURNAL OF SURGICAL EDUCATION 2025; 82:103418. [PMID: 39818081 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2024.103418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2024] [Revised: 11/25/2024] [Accepted: 12/29/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2025]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Race and gender concordance between physicians and patients is associated with reductions in healthcare disparities. However, the diversity of the medical workforce does not mirror the population; some of the greatest deficiencies exist in the surgical workforce. We conducted a pilot study focused on early recruitment of diverse college students in our region, with a concurrent needs assessment of their specific barriers to entering the field of surgery. METHODS Local college students who self-identified as underrepresented in medicine (URiM) were recruited to attend a symposium hosted by an academic surgery department. Events included a specialty discussion panel, live OR streaming, simulation lab, and breakout sessions covering various topics. The primary aims were to 1: increase interest in surgical careers and 2: conduct a needs assessment to optimize strategies for overcoming perceived barriers to entering surgery. A mixed methods analysis was conducted to assess cohort characteristics, changes in impressions of pursuing a surgical career, barriers to pursuing such careers across five domains, and overall perceptions of the symposium. RESULTS Recruitment consisted of emails sent to local college pre-medical society advisors. Of 58 students who attended, 77% were from state universities or community colleges. There were 63.8% who identified as a racial/ethnic minority (38% Latino, 24% Black, 16% Asian, 14% Middle Eastern, 8% mixed), 34.5% as economically-disadvantaged, 34.5% as first-generation college, 25.9% as female, 12.1% as LGBTQ+, and 3.5% as other. Pre-symposium, 93% of attendees intended to apply to medical school, but only 25% had considered surgery as a profession. Post-symposium, this increased to 43% who indicated an intention to pursue surgery, with an additional 52% who were undecided but interested. Across all sections, the mean rating for attendees' knowledge regarding surgical training and careers pre- and post-symposium increased significantly. The most frequently cited barriers were the lack of mentors (50%), concerns about MCAT scores (50%), overall costs (48%), and work/life balance (47%). Thematic analysis identified gratitude for the event and for opportunities to meet surgeons; ongoing needs included shadowing and mentorship matching. The direct costs of the event were approximately $500. CONCLUSION This pilot study demonstrated the avidity of an audience with the potential to diversify the surgical workforce. Participant interest in pursuing surgical careers nearly doubled and clear unmet needs were identified to support this group towards this goal. Furthermore, these results were achieved with very little funding or advertising. Work is ongoing to upscale these efforts and determine impact on our surgical workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Y Fan
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts.
| | - Olajumoke Megafu
- Department of General Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Jaeyoung Lee
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Sudie-Ann Robinson
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | | | - Muriel Cleary
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Jessica P Simons
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
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Deuchler S, Scholtz J, Ackermann H, Seitz B, Koch F. Implementation of microsurgery simulation in an ophthalmology clerkship in Germany: a prospective, exploratory study. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 22:599. [PMID: 35922857 PMCID: PMC9351152 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03634-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microsurgery is a growing field which requires significant precision and skill. Eyesi Surgical, which is usually introduced during residency or fellowship, is an ophthalmologic microsurgery simulator which allows users to practice abstract microsurgical skills and more specialized skills. The purpose of this study was to assess the inclusion of microsurgical simulation training during medical school. METHODS Seventy-nine German medical students in their 10th semester of education completed up to two days of training on the simulator during their ophthalmology clerkship. They received an objective numeric score based on simulator performance and completed pre and post training subjective questionnaires. RESULTS There was no relationship found between students' Eyesi Surgical performance scores and their specialty interests (p = .8). The majority of students (73.4%) rated their microsurgical skills to be higher after simulator training than before training (p < 0.001). 92.4% of students found the Eyesi Surgical to be a useful component of the ophthalmology clerkship. Objective scores from Navigation Training Level 1 showed that students achieved better results in the criteria categories of Completing Objects and Tissue Treatment than in the categories of Instrument and Microscope Handling. The mean Total Score was 25.7 (± 17.5) out of a possible 100 points. CONCLUSION The inclusion of surgical simulation in the ophthalmology clerkship led to increased confidence in the microsurgical skills of medical students. Offering surgical simulation training prior to residency can help to expose students to surgical fields, identify those that have particular talent and aptitude for surgery, and assist them in deciding which specialty to pursue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Deuchler
- Augenzentrum Frankfurt, Georg-Baumgarten-Straße 3, 60549, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Medical Center, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Julia Scholtz
- Augenzentrum Frankfurt, Georg-Baumgarten-Straße 3, 60549, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Hanns Ackermann
- Institute of Biostatistics, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Berthold Seitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Medical Center, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Frank Koch
- Augenzentrum Frankfurt, Georg-Baumgarten-Straße 3, 60549, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Riedel M, Hennigs A, Dobberkau AM, Riedel C, Bugaj TJ, Nikendei C, Amann N, Karge A, Eisenkolb G, Tensil M, Recker F, Riedel F. The role of gender-specific factors in the choice of specialty training in obstetrics and gynecology: results from a survey among medical students in Germany. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2022; 305:129-137. [PMID: 34550446 PMCID: PMC8782790 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-021-06232-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The field of obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) is facing growing competition for young professionals in Germany, with high interest rates among female graduates and a declining proportion of male students who choose residency training in the field. The aim of this study is to analyze general and gender-dependent factors that influence the decision for or against specialty training in OB/GYN among medical students in Germany. METHODS Between February and November 2019, n = 346 medical students in their 5th and 6th year of undergraduate training at Heidelberg University received a questionnaire with 44 items. RESULTS n = 286 students (61.3 female; 38.7% male) participated in the study. 28% of the female students and 9% of the male students had considered OB/GYN for their specialty training. The students reported different general and gender-specific influencing factors in their choice of a specialty. Both genders desired a good work-life-balance, however, in comparison with their female colleagues, male students had heavily weighted factors related to their later careers and professional success, including competition among colleagues. Male students had gained little practical experience during compulsory internships (26.9% for females vs. 8.8% for males) or had chosen their final-year elective in OB/GYN (15.9% for females vs. 5.5% for males). Female students had worried about the negative effects of their sex on their career (35.4% for females vs. 5.9% for males). CONCLUSION OB/GYN must become more appealing and attractive to young female and male professionals alike. A better compatibility of career and family should go hand in hand with the implementation of differentiated, (extra) curricular teaching approaches that take the different preferences of female and male students into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Riedel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - André Hennigs
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Maria Dobberkau
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Caroline Riedel
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Till Johannes Bugaj
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Nikendei
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Niklas Amann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Anne Karge
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gabriel Eisenkolb
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Tensil
- Kirinus Clinic for Psychotherapy, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Recker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bonn University Hospital, Bonn, Germany
| | - Fabian Riedel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Kumar A, Ameh C. Start here- principles of effective undergraduate training. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2021; 80:114-125. [PMID: 34952793 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2021.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Obstetric and gynaecology undergraduate training is an intense time for learners as they encounter various health conditions related to women's health and also learn about pregnancy care and birth. The experience is directed to familiarise students with basic clinical management of gynaecological conditions, also develop communication and related core examination and procedural skills. Similarly, midwifery training encompasses independent care of low-risk pregnant women and assist in care of high-risk pregnancy in partnership with obstetricians. Although its necessary to acquaint most learners with core clinical skills in obstetrics and gynaecology, learning opportunities on patients can be limited, due to the intrusive nature of women's health examination. Simulation Based Education (SBE) can facilitate learning hands-on clinical examination and procedural skills, using realistic part-task and high-fidelity simulators prior to approaching patients. This can apply to both medical and midwifery undergraduate training, further creating opportunities for professional interaction and shared learning space to facilitate interprofessional education. IPE has been shown to improve professional relationships in practicing clinicians. This learning pedagogy can be applied in the undergraduate setting as well, to decrease risk of conflict and appreciate roles of other interprofessional staff in future clinical practice. In this chapter we highlight some challenges faced by medical and midwifery undergraduates in their learning from a global perspective. We also describe some teaching and learning initiatives that can be applicable across various settings of obstetrics, gynaecology medical undergraduate and midwifery teaching with relevant case studies to facilitate new graduates preparedness for practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunaz Kumar
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Charles Ameh
- Emergency Obstetric Care and Quality of Care Unit, International Public Health Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, L3 5QA, United Kingdom.
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A step-by-step guide to creating an academic surgery interest group: Review article. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2021; 69:102688. [PMID: 34429953 PMCID: PMC8368995 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
An academic interest group in medicine is defined as a collective that can be made up of undergraduate students, residents, and/or teachers, who share as an object of interest the advancement and growth of a specific area of medicine. It is organized to carry out extracurricular academic and research activities. It is essential to stimulate participation in these interest groups, which allow the personal and professional growth of their members, being a tool that promotes and provides better opportunities for entry as candidates for graduate studies. The American College of Surgeons is one of the largest medical scientific societies with the participation of undergraduate students with an interest in surgery. This society mentions the benefits of participating in interest groups in surgery, specifically, it highlights the importance of contributing to these when looking for a surgical specialty, because they address issues such as: what is the mentioned specialty itself?, what are the details about the application process for each surgical specialty?, these groups can provide information on different residency programs, lifestyle benefits, and/or cons; in addition to improving practical skills through surgical technique workshops or various organized activities. Based on the above, the objective of this manuscript is to design a Step-by-step guide for the creation of a surgical interest group, in order to encourage participation by medical students, residents, and teachers in the research and academic field. An academic interest group in surgery reinforces skills and knowledge. •An academic interest group in surgery can be coordinated by undergraduate students. •Academic interest groups in surgery generate national and international knowledge networks.
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Yang A, Kumar A. Reply to the Letter to the Editor in response to: 'Introduction of an interprofessional gynaecology surgical skills workshop for undergraduate medical and nursing students'. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2021; 61:E18-E19. [PMID: 33856688 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Yang
- Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Arunaz Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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