title: Design and implementation of a proficiency-based, structured endoscopy course for medical students applying for a surgical specialty.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Surgical simulation is becoming increasingly important in surgical education. Despite the important work done on simulators, simulator model development, and simulator assessment methodologies, there is a need for development of integrated simulators in the curriculum. In this paper, we describe the design of our evidence-based preclinical training program for medical students applying for a surgical career at the Centre for Surgical Technologies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-two students participated in this training program. During their final months as medical students, they received structured, proficiency-based endoscopy training. The total amount of mentored training was 18 hours and the training was organized into three training blocks. The first block focused on psychomotor training, the second block focused on laparoscopic stitching and suturing, and the third block on laparoscopic dissection techniques and hemostasis. Deliberate practice was allowed and students had to show proficiency before proceeding to the next training block. Students' psychomotor abilities were tested before the course and after each training block. At the beginning of their careers as surgical registrars, their performance on a laparoscopic suturing task was compared with that of registrars from the previous year who did not have this training course. Student opinions about this course were evaluated using a visual analog scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All students rated the training course as useful and their psychomotor abilities improved markedly. All students performed deliberate practice, and those who participated in this course scored significantly (P < 0.0001) better on the laparoscopic suturing task than first year registrars who did not participate in this course.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Organization of a structured preclinical training program in laparoscopy for final year medical students is feasible, attractive, and successful.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Surgical Technologies, University Hospitals, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium ; Department of Urology, University Hospitals, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Gunter
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: De Win
authors.forename: Siska
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Van Bruwaene
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: Dirk
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: De Ridder
keywords: curriculum development; laparoscopy training; proficiency based; surgical skill evaluation
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