Implementation of Routine In Situ Simulation in Residency Curriculum Targeting Competency in Technical and Decision-Making Skills

Abstract

Objective: To describe the development and implementation of a comprehensive in situ simulation-based curriculum for anesthesia residents.

Design: This is a prospective study.

Setting: This study was conducted at a university hospital.

Participants: This single-center prospective study included all 53 anesthesia residents enrolled in the anesthesia residency program.

Interventions: Introduction of a routine, high-fidelity, in situ simulation program that incorporates short sessions to train residents in the necessary skill sets and decision-making processes required in the operating room.

Measurements and main results: Our team conducted 182 individual 15-minute simulation sessions over 3 months during regular working hours. All 53 residents in our program actively participated in the simulations. Most residents engaged in at least 3 sessions, with an average participation rate of 3.4 per resident (range, 1-6 sessions). Residents completed an online anonymous survey, with a response rate of 71.7% (38 of 53 residents) over the 3-month period. The survey aimed to assess their overall impression and perceived contribution of this project to their training.

Conclusions: Our proposed teaching method can bridge the gap in resident training and enhance their critical reasoning to manage diverse clinical situations they may not experience during their residency.

Keywords: anesthesia education; in situ simulation-based curriculum; operating room; residency training.