Description
The speaker, Andrew Hall, begins his presentation by thanking the organizers and acknowledging the audience for their participation. He expresses relief that the event started later than 8:30 AM, referencing a previous gathering. Hall highlights the significant work done by a colleague, Oliver, in conducting a scoping exercise focused on unmet needs in orthopedic training, particularly in the context of a regional initiative that has expanded throughout Scotland.
He discusses the challenges faced by trainees due to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting a high percentage of trainees who received unfavorable training outcomes and emphasizing the adverse effects on the training landscape. Hall outlines a shift in focus towards addressing the specific limitations faced in orthopedic surgical training, such as reduced opportunities for learning new technical skills and missing important discussions crucial for surgical learning.
To address these gaps, Hall mentions the establishment of a focus group comprised of trainees to voice their urgent needs, resulting in the identification of key areas for improvement within the training program. He emphasizes the need for practical exposure to elective surgeries and a better understanding of surgical principles.
The presentation introduces an innovative educational program that integrates theoretical tutorials with practical skills sessions and the utilization of virtual reality (VR) to enhance the surgical training experience. Hall outlines the structure of the program, which includes morning sessions focusing on the theoretical foundations followed by hands-on practical sessions in a realistic surgical environment.
He discusses the importance of developing a strong understanding of both the principles and practices of surgery, while aiming to foster a supportive atmosphere for trainees to ask questions and practice techniques. The presentation emphasizes the role of VR as a supplementary tool to develop surgical skills, offering trainees a safe space to learn and practice surgical procedures step-by-step.
Results from the implementation of this training approach are shared, indicating improved performance and satisfaction among trainees, along with positive feedback on the perceived benefits of integrating VR into the training process. Hall concludes by encouraging collaborative research and communication among professionals in the field to continue improving surgical education and training methods.