Clinical Trial: Simulation and Cadaver Workshop for Medical Students
Study Status: Recruiting
Recruit Status: Recruiting
Study Type: Interventional
Official Title: Utility, Feasibility, and Cost-effectiveness of Using a Combined Cadaver and Simulation Laboratory Experience During the OB-GYN and Surgical Medical School Clerkships
Brief Summary:
Background: The use of simulation and cadaveric laboratory training are highly beneficial for faculty and advanced trainees, but its usefulness for third-year medical students rotating through OB-GYN or general surgery is unknown.
Objective: To determine if a two-day intensive, cost-effective review of procedural skills and anatomy using the simulation laboratory and cadaver-based dissection improves performance of third-year medical students on the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) Shelf and USMLE Step 2 board examination and during pre- and post-test demonstrations.
Significance: If proven effective, implementation of a short, inexpensive, and comprehensive course highlighting anatomical and procedural skills during the third year of medical school could be implemented.
Design Methods: The investigators will conduct a 1:1 randomization of third-year medical students rotating at all Mayo sites (Jacksonville, Rochester, and Scottsdale). The students will either participate in traditional education (N=20) as is currently taking place or traditional education plus cadaver-based/simulation-based learning (N=20). Third-year medical students rotating in OB-GYN or surgery will be eligible to enroll.
Anticipated Outcomes: Knowledge-based examination results as well as performance outcomes will be improved and procedural skills and overall satisfaction will be increased.
Detailed Summary:
The primary goals of the final two years of medical school are to provide an experience that develops the fundamental clinical skills necessary to succeed as a resident and to offer opportunities for medical students to explore career interests. Largely unchanged for many years, the final two years of medical school include a series of required third year clerkships that include obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) and general surgery. Following the completion of the third year, many students may have already decided on a specialty, and thus use the final year for electives and rotations that hone their skills and prepare them for residency. For those students planning for a procedural-based career such as OB-GYN or surgery, a considerable amount of time may be spent learning advanced surgical techniques, such as knot-tying, suturing, or other such procedures. In addition to traditional learning through didactic experiences, texts, and 'hands-on' patient interaction, some programs have developed supplemental curricula using simulators and cadaveric dissection. While studies demonstrate that these methods enhance students' readiness for procedural-based residencies, these studies have only focused on surgical residents or select fourth-year medical students who have a specific interest in surgery.
No study has focused on a comprehensive, streamlined approach using these supplemental techniques for third-year medical students. A standardized curriculum using simulation and cadaveric laboratories in the third year may provide students with the necessary skills to succeed in their required OB-GYN and surgical clerkships, while hopefully improving their examination scores and overall experience. The investigators intend to utilize a 'hands-on' series of laboratory experiences using the simulation center and cadavers to enhance the traditional learning structure. The investigator
Sponsor: Mayo Clinic
Current Primary Outcome: Mean shelf exam scores [ Time Frame: 1 year ]
Original Primary Outcome: Same as current
Current Secondary Outcome: Mean grade on rotation evaluation [ Time Frame: 1 year ]
Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current
Information By: Mayo Clinic
Dates:
Date Received: November 4, 2016
Date Started: April 2016
Date Completion: July 2017
Last Updated: February 8, 2017
Last Verified: February 2017
