Ophthalmology simulation trainings can significantly enhance medical students performance and confidence in microsurgery (1). However, training efficacy may vary based on student characteristics and specialty interest (2).
This study compared medical students performance in continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) before and after training on three different platforms (EyeSi simulator, HelpMeSee simulator or synthetic eye models) according to their baseline level of CCC performance and other subjective assessments.
Thirty medical students were allocated to one study group according to their baseline CCC performance score on a synthetic eye support: low baseline level group (score < 19/36) and high baseline level group (score > 19/36). All had to follow one simulation training program on EyeSi (n=10), or HelpMeSee (n=10), or a synthetic eye support (n=10). Post-training CCC performance score was assessed on the synthetic eye support. Pre- and post-training questionnaires explored participants intended choice of specialty and confidence in microsurgery. Modification of CCC score and subjective assessments were compared between groups. The three training methods were compared.
CCC performance and confidence improved after simulation training (p<0.001). Performance improvement was higher in the low baseline group (p=0.026). Confidence improvement did not differ between groups. Intended choices for residency specialty (medical/surgical) differed between groups (73%/18% of for low baseline group vs. 32%/63% for high baseline group; p=0.018). Intended choices were not modified by the simulation trainings in both groups. The three simulation training programs were similar for CCC performance and confidence improvement.
CCC simulation training programs improved both confidence and performance of CCC in medical students, particularly those with a low baseline level. This supports the inclusion of such programs within medical curriculum for students who struggle with surgical skills. However, simulation training alone did not significantly influence students’ career choices and may not be sufficient to identify a strong interest in pursuing a surgical career.
Simulation trainings are efficient to improve performance of students struggling with surgical gesture. While these programs may not directly influence students’ career choice, they could identify potential aptitude for surgery and guide towards exploring surgical career paths.
