Insights for Instructional System Designers by Understanding the Skill Levels of Endoscopic Surgery Education Programs

Abstract

As technology enhances, the new techniques for surgical operations are also developed. For instance endoscopic surgery is a new alternative of open surgery when it is possible. In this technique, the surgeon performs the operation by using a camera named as endoscope and special operational tools in order to make the operation by using small enter points. These operations are performed by looking at the video image of the operational field. In order to perform these types of operations, the surgeons are required to gain several skills. Hands-on try-and error type of training is very important to developing such skills which is currently provided in the operating theatre with the real patients. As this type of education has several ethical and safety considerations, new educational approaches are required for the surgery education programs. Today, virtual reality simulation technology addresses most of the problems of endoscopic surgery education. However, integrating this technology into the curriculum of the surgical education programs is critical for improving benefits of this technology. In order to better integrate these environments into the traditional education and training programs, understanding and assessing the skill levels of the trainees is a very critical. By better understanding and measuring the skill levels of surgeons, appropriate instructional systems can be developed and the education programs can be adapted according to the progress of the skill improvements. In the literature, there are several classifications for defining these skill levels. However, the standards and studies for defining and using these skill levels for the surgical education are very limited. In this study, a literature review is conducted to better understand the definitions of skill levels for the surgical education. Additionally, a more standardized and general perspective to improve the benefits of these skill level definitions for the surgical education is provided. The results of this study aimed to help the surgical educators and the instructional system designers to better address these skill levels in their programs and improve the benefits of technology enhanced learning environments for the surgical education programs.