Development, Organisation and Implementation of a Surgical Skills 'Boot Camp': SIMweek.

BACKGROUND

There is evidence of increased mortality and reduced efficiency in hospitals due to the annual changeover of junior doctors. This paper describes a framework to develop an intensive simulated week that will recreate experiences and situations that junixor surgical interns will likely face in their first weeks after graduation.

METHODS

To provide evidence-based recommendations, a systematic review of published literature using the keywords 'surg*', 'boot', 'camp' was performed. Reports of the development, implementation or evaluation of a simulated skills course or 'boot camp' to prepare incoming surgical interns were analysed.

RESULTS

Eighteen relevant articles were identified. Subjects on internship preparation courses have identified 'hands-on' training sessions to be very useful. In particular, mock pages have been identified as being valuable and didactic lectures have been identified as the weakest parts of the course. We first consider the end-users of the course and their associated learning needs. We subsequently discuss resources required and propose a strategy for the organisation of a course and selection of teaching faculty. Finally, we consider the costs involved in running a course.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper proposes a framework for the development, organisation and implementation of an intensive simulation course to prepare graduating medical students for their role as junior surgical intern. Facilitating the step change in responsibility from student to surgical intern may improve patient safety in addition to reducing the associated anxiety for the clinician.