Virtual reality simulation as a training tool for perfusionists in extracorporeal circulation: Establishing face and content validity

Perfusionist education in Japan: A survey of challenges and current status

IntroductionThis study aimed to examine the educational challenges faced by perfusionists in Japan. Although Japan has over 400 cardiovascular surgery centers, it performs fewer surgeries than by countries such as Germany and the United States. We focused on challenges related to varying caseloads and working conditions.MethodsWe conducted an online survey containing 24 questions using Google Forms from January to June 2022, targeting perfusionists in Japan. The 24-question survey spanned various educational topics and was approved by the Morinomiya University of Medical Sciences Ethics Committee.ResultsResponses were received from 129 perfusionists across 77 institutions. Approximately 70% of these centers managed less than 200 cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) cases per year, with a similar proportion of perfusionists handling under 50 CPB cases annually. Challenges in Japanese perfusionist education include enhancing communication and troubleshooting skills and the need for instructors with a broad teaching experience.ConclusionsThis study emphasizes the significant differences in caseload and work environments for perfusionists among Japanese institutions. Perfusionists, who often work in clinical engineering, have various responsibilities. These findings highlight the need for improved communication, problem-solving skills, and the implementation of modern teaching technologies. Additionally, this study highlights the complexities of training Japanese perfusionists and underscores the need for more practical, technology-driven educational methods. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving Japan's healthcare standards and could influence global perfusionist education.

Advances in remote and cloud-based simulation through web conferencing platforms

IntroductionSimulation-based learning has become an essential element in entry-level perfusion education. While the use of simulation has been demonstrated to improve patient outcomes, few institutions possess the budgetary resources to build and maintain a high-fidelity simulation environment. This project aims to identify novel uses of web conferencing platforms to support in-person, remote, and virtual simulation exercises.MethodsThe Zoom Virtual Meeting platform (Zoom Video Communications, Inc.) was incorporated into the perfusion simulation curriculum at the Medical University of South Carolina CVP Program. Among the observed benefits of incorporating meeting platform software included high-definition audio/visual outputs and recording capabilities, 3-D remote simulation, remote simulation proctoring, and classroom-based learning. Additional Zoom features included remote controlled screen access and sharing, annotations, and break-out rooms and activities.ConclusionThe combination of high-fidelity simulation with virtual and remote features may enhance the learning experience in healthcare education. Future developments in technology and software, simulation education, and instructions through virtual/remote learning may provide a pathway for the future of cardiovascular perfusion education.

Congenital cardiac surgical simulation: bridging global workforce gaps and optimizing outcomes

Reaching competency in congenital heart surgery (CHS) requires lengthy and rigorous training. Due to patient safety, time limitations, and procedural complexity, the intraoperative setting is not ideal for technical practice. Surgical simulation using synthetic, biological, or virtual models is an increasingly valuable educational tool for technical training and assessment. In particular, three-dimensional (3D) models are especially favorable in CHS education for its high-fidelity demonstration of congenital heart defects. In countries where there is a deficit of local cardiac surgical expertise, simple and inexpensive innovation, such as expanding hands-on technical training programs involving 3D-models and hybrid teaching, may partially address the lack of CHS training opportunities and the consequent unmet need for surgical management of pediatric heart disease.

Early introduction of simulation in the medical curriculum: the MedInTo perspective

Despite the increasing body of evidence supporting the use of simulation in medicine, a question remains: when should we introduce it into the medical school's curriculum? We present the experience and future perspectives of the MD program in Medicine and Surgery of University of Turin-MedInTo. Since its launch, MedInTo has been dedicated to integrating innovative teaching approaches at the early stages into the medical curriculum. Herewith, we describe a case-based approach for our activities, which includes the utilization of simulation for emergency medical care training for students and the integration of virtual and augmented reality technology. Dedicated surgical training activities using virtual-augmented reality and life-like simulator for students are also described.