Training Surgical Educators: Utilising Simulation to Transition Towards a Competency-Based Training Programme

Background: Myanmar is a transition economy country currently introducing competency-based training and work-base assessments (WBAs) in all post-graduate training pathways, including surgery. To date, there has been little support or preparation for local faculty for the introduction of this new paradigm in surgical training. Aims: To utilise various simulation-based modalities, including roleplaying, in order to facilitate the transition towards WBAs and competency-based training in Myanmar. Methods: A ‘Surgical Educators course was set up in Myanmar, targeting local and current surgical trainers. The course consisted of 3 mains sessions: 1. Influences on Learning, 2. Teaching Strategies for a Clinical Environment, 3. Feedback and Work-Base Assessment. These sessions included practical simulation-based activates such as roleplay for the delivery of feedback and also teaching a novel skill. A 5-point Likert scale was used to assess the pre- and post-course confidence of the participants to: 1. Deliver a surgical teaching session, 2. Plan an educational session, 3. Give feedback on performance, 4. Use a WBA to assess a surgical trainee. Results: 23 participants and 3 local faculty attended the workshop held at the University of Medicine 1 in Yangon, Myanmar. These current trainers represented 7 different medical and surgical specialities. All participants were extremely motivated and embraced the concept and practice of simulation-based education, including use of roleplay as a modality. There was a statistically significant difference between 3 out of 4 tested domains in pre- and post-course testing (Figure 1). There was positive feedback given for the role-play activity of delivering feedback with the sessions scoring 7.47/10 (median score 7). Conclusion: Simulation-based modalities such as roleplaying have been shown to assist the implementation of WBAs. As such, simulation can be considered as an adjunct and valuable tool in a setting that is transitioning to competency-based training.