LO096: Comfortable with your thoracotomy skills? An innovative simulation-based curriculum to teach rare procedures in emergency medicine

Abstract

Introduction / Innovation Concept: Emergency medicine (EM) residents must demonstrate proficiency in several rare, life-saving procedures but few clinical opportunities exist to practice and master these skills. Currently no standardized curricula exist for the instruction of these skills during EM residency. Accordingly, many residents graduate without the experience to perform these critical procedures confidently. We developed a novel, simulation-based curriculum for six rare, life-saving, EM skills that integrates deliberate practice and Kolb’s theory of experiential education. Methods: We used existing EM training objectives and a recent national resident needs assessment to develop a simulation-based technical skills curriculum. The six station curriculum was underpinned by the pedagogical framework of experiential education and deliberate practice. Instructor and participant feedback directed subsequent curriculum modifications. Curriculum, Tool, or Material: This one-day intensive curriculum was successfully implemented at two Canadian EM residency programs for 54 EM residents, from both CCFP-EM and FRCP-EM streams. Participant feedback was highly favorable. An iterative approach to curriculum implementation at two separate residency programs effectively allowed educators to respond to participant needs. Conclusion: A novel simulation-based curriculum for rare procedures in EM is feasible, practical, and highly valued by participants. Ongoing work is underway to refine the curriculum and assess its efficacy in creating competence. Deliberate practice and Kolb’s theory of experiential education provide useful frameworks for technical skills training.