Structured Simulation Training for Laparoscopic and Thoracoscopic Skills in Thoracic Surgery Residents

N/ANot Yet RecruitingNCT07268950

Ondokuz Mayıs University19 enrolled

Overview

This study aims to improve basic laparoscopic and thoracoscopic skills in thoracic surgery residents and rotating surgical residents through a structured simulation-based training program. Participants will complete hands-on practice sessions using box trainers, artificial models, and bovine tissues in a controlled, non-patient setting. Before and after the training, participants will complete self-assessment surveys and a standardized technical skills evaluation (OSATS). The study will compare these results to measure changes in technical performance, confidence, and learning needs. No real patients, live animals, or clinical procedures are involved, and there are no expected medical risks. The goal of this study is to determine whether structured simulation training is effective, practical, and acceptable for surgical education, and whether it can support safer transition to real operating room experience in the future.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Surgical Education Simulation-based Training Resident Training

Interventions

Structured Simulation-Based Surgical TrainingBEHAVIORAL

Participants will complete a structured simulation-based training curriculum designed to improve fundamental laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgical skills. The program includes standardized modules on camera navigation, tissue handling, dissection, stapling, and suturing, performed on box trainers, artificial models, and bovine tissues. Training occurs in a controlled laboratory environment with faculty supervision and predefined performance goals. No real patients, clinical procedures, or live animals are involved. All participants undergo pre- and post-training performance assessment using OSATS scoring, task completion time, and self-evaluation surveys.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Thoracic surgery residents OR rotating general surgery/cardiovascular surgery residents * Age ≥18 years * Actively enrolled in an accredited residency training program * Willingness to participate in hands-on simulation training * Ability to provide informed consent * Able to complete video-recorded performance assessments Exclusion Criteria: * Prior advanced laparoscopic or thoracoscopic fellowship training * Inability to safely handle surgical instruments (e.g., significant musculoskeletal limitation) * Previous participation in a similar structured simulation program within the past 12 months * Declines consent or withdraws participation * Unable to attend required training and assessment sessions

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Total OSATS Score

Technical skill performance will be assessed using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS), consisting of a global rating scale and task-specific checklist (total score range 0-35). Each participant will complete the same standardized tasks before and after the simulation training. The primary outcome is the within-subject change (post-training minus pre-training) in total OSATS score.

Time frame: Baseline (pre-training) and immediately after completion of the training program (within 1 week)