WP8.13 - Validating Remote Basic Surgical Skills Certification: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract Aims Simulation based training comprises a fundamental component of modern surgical education, necessitating the development and advancement of affordable, functional, and validated simulators. This study explored the effectiveness of using the Inovus Basic Surgical Skills (BSS) simulator in improving core surgical skills amongst junior trainees. Methods This was a multicentre, RCT between August 2022 – November 2022 involving junior trainees yet to complete a validated basic surgical skills course. All participants completed an initial series of basic surgical tasks, including a range of suturing and knot-tying techniques. Three parameters (objective scoring tool, time taken for task completion, self-assessment questionnaire) were used to evaluate each surgical skill. Subsequently, participants were randomly allocated to the intervention group (BSS simulator) for at home training, or the control group receiving no further training. Results 5 domains were assessed for suturing tasks through respect for tissue, motion and efficiency, visuo-spatial, suture quality and time taken. Knot-tying was assessed by quality and time taken. Independent samples t-test revealed no significant difference between control and intervention groups (p>0.05) despite improvement in task quality and reduced completion time. Self-assessment questionnaires revealed a significant (p<0.05) improvement in confidence performing more complex tasks in intervention groups. Conclusions Study results demonstrate an improvement in both the quality of basic surgical skills and reduced completion time with use of the BSS simulator. Participants report increased confidence post-intervention following use of the BSS simulator. Despite the limitation of a small sample size, these findings underpin the potential benefits of BSS simulator use for surgical education amongst trainees, increasing accessibility to surgical training through an exceptionally realistic remote training environment.