title: Introducing a laparoscopic simulation training and credentialing program in gynaecology: an observational study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Simulation training in laparoscopic surgery has been shown to improve surgical performance.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe the implementation of a laparoscopic simulation training and credentialing program for gynaecology registrars.
  
  
  METHODS
  A pilot program consisting of protected, supervised laparoscopic simulation time, a tailored curriculum and a credentialing process, was developed and implemented. Quantitative measures assessing simulated surgical performance were measured over the simulation training period. Laparoscopic procedures requiring credentialing were assessed for both the frequency of a registrar being the primary operator and the duration of surgery and compared to a presimulation cohort. Qualitative measures regarding quality of surgical training were assessed pre- and postsimulation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Improvements were seen in simulated surgical performance in efficiency domains. Operative time for procedures requiring credentialing was reduced by 12%. Primary operator status in the operating theatre for registrars was unchanged. Registrar assessment of training quality improved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The introduction of a laparoscopic simulation training and credentialing program resulted in improvements in simulated performance, reduced operative time and improved registrar assessment of the quality of training.
authors.affiliation: Mater Health Services, School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Janssens
authors.affiliation: Mater Health Services, School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Beckmann
authors.affiliation: Mater Education, University of Queensland, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bonney
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003406:Credentialing; D003479:Curriculum; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D008297:Male; D010052:Ovariectomy / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016730:Program Development; D011793:Queensland; D058994:Salpingectomy / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D000066908:Simulation Training / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards
keywords: computer simulation; credentialing; education; gynaecology; laparoscopy