Research Priorities in Light of Current Trends in Microsurgical Training: Revalidation, Simulation, Cross-Training, and Standardisation

Journal article

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly citedPlastic surgery training worldwide has seen a thorough restructuring over the past decade, with the introduction of formal training curricula and work-based assessment tools. Part of this process has been the introduction of revalidation and a greater use of simulation in training delivery. Simulation is an increasingly important tool for educators because it provides a way to reduce risks to both trainees and patients, whilst facilitating improved technical proficiency. Current microsurgery training interventions are often predicated on theories of skill acquisition and development that follow a 'practice makes perfect' model. Given the changing landscape of surgical training and advances in educational theories related to skill development, research is needed to assess the potential benefits of alternative models, particularly cross-training, a model now widely used in non-medical areas with significant benefits. Furthermore, with the proliferation of microsurgery training interventions and therefore diversity in length, cost, content and models used, appropriate standardisation will be an important factor to ensure that courses deliver consistent and effective training that achieves appropriate levels of competency. Key research requirements should be gathered and used in directing further research in these areas to achieve on-going improvement of microsurgery training

Authors: Nicholas, RS; Madada-Nyakauru, RN; Irri, RA; Myers, SR; Ghanem, AM

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG
• Journal: Archives of plastic surgery
• Volume: 41
• Issue: 03
• Pages: 218-224
• Publication date: 2014-05-12
• DOI: 10.5999/aps.2014.41.3.218
• EISSN: 2234-6171
• ISSN: 2234-6163
• Language: English
• Keywords: Surgery; Nursing; Psychological intervention; Medicine; Restructuring; Work (physics); Revalidation; Process (computing); Engineering; Computer science; Microsurgery; Curriculum; Medical education; Pedagogy; Psychology; Process management; Engineering management; Training (meteorology)