Surgeons remain in high demand, regardless of where they live. Low- and middle-income countries desperately need this care because people who don’t have access to surgeons are at higher risk of suffering, disability, and death. One reason they cannot access this care is a lack of surgical training in those areas. When there aren’t enough trainers, the trainer-trainee relationship is negatively impacted. Sadly, surgeons need to serve as apprentices to hone their skills, so anything that harms this relationship is of concern.
Fortunately, there are resources for surgeons that can enhance existing training. Thanks to technological advances, new tools are being offered, and surgeons may use them to improve their training. They benefit from training materials and peer interaction, much like in a standard classroom. Furthermore, they receive instructor feedback, even when they aren’t in the same location. Students no longer need to rely on the trainer for all instruction. They can learn from the best and brightest while reducing the time required to become a surgeon.
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The Role of Technology
Learning takes many forms. Experts say it should be divided into three domains: cognitive, psychomotor, and affective. Cognitive refers to the knowledge part of training, while psychomotor refers to the skills learned. Affective is the surgeon’s attitude. When a person is strong in one area, they tend to focus less on that area and can turn their attention to the other two. People may not realize how important this is, but humans have a limited capacity to focus on multiple things simultaneously.
Technology allows students to practice their psychomotor skills. When these skills become second nature, the surgeon can focus more on making decisions to improve patient care and outcomes. If they have the right attitude, they work on improving their knowledge.
E-learning courses and status materials are one way to improve a surgeon’s cognitive skills. Low-fidelity simulators help surgeons gain and improve their psychomotor skills, while communication tools can be used in both. Many surgeons use immersive simulation technology to enhance their cognitive and psychomotor skills today.
Training Materials
At one time, people would visit a library to access textbooks, journals, and other publications. Today, they use digital versions of these resources and benefit from new medical formats to access training materials. They may use a messaging app to discuss a case with other surgeons and medical professionals. Training logbooks provide vital feedback on the surgeon’s operative skills. They compare the student’s results to their peers or use a scoring system to rate students.
E-Learning
Any educational material delivered through the web is known as e-learning. When looking at e-learning for surgeons, researchers often narrow the definition to include only those materials that can be used without other equipment. The surgeon should not need a simulator or headphones to access the content. In addition, no live instructor must be present for the material to qualify as e-learning content. The resources are asynchronous in most cases, so people learn at their own pace. The number of e-learning resources continues to increase so students can choose the most valuable resources. Some students will take complete courses on specific topics. In contrast, others take training programs or short courses when they need more information about a particular topic or are preparing for an upcoming exam.
Simulators
Physical task simulators benefit surgeons today. Thanks to advances in technology, more people can benefit from high-fidelity simulation. These individuals participate in realistic training experiences, and researchers are working to make these simulators more realistic and readily available. 3D printing is helping them achieve these goals. With this technology, manufacturers have the ability to create anatomical replicas of patients, so surgeons and trainees can create optimal treatment plans before working on the patient.
Immersive simulation is another way surgeons benefit from technology. Currently, surgeons use a two-dimensional screen for this type of simulated surgery. However, manufacturers are working to create a simulator with 360-degree videos to display on the screen. Immersive virtual reality is another option being explored. Advanced visualization tools enhance surgical training and practice, and many surgeons use augmented and mixed realities to improve their skills before operating on complex anatomical structures. They receive realistic tactic feedback when using augmented and mixed realities.
Telepresence
Videoconferencing tools can be used for surgeons to attend lectures or watch tutorials. Some surgical degree programs are now offered online because the technology is impressive. A person can stream a live video and feel as if they’re in the room with the surgeon completing the procedure even when they are halfway across the world. Students and instructors interact with this technology, and a surgeon can teach or be supervised. Imagine the possibilities for surgeons in remote areas who need instruction when completing a complex procedure. Today, digital libraries have been created that consist of surgical imaging that people use to expand their skills. Artificial intelligence techniques may also be incorporated in the future.
Technology as a Part of Overall Training
People should not assume that these technologies will eliminate traditional learning for surgeons. They enhance in-person learning and provide surgeons with resources they might otherwise be unable to access. Blending learning leads to increased knowledge, which can be applied in an operating room. Each student’s learning style is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach is rarely beneficial.
By offering multiple training tools in addition to the classroom portion of a surgeon’s education, an educational institute can ensure that all students gain the knowledge needed to complete surgical procedures. Students may move from e-learning modules to simulators before advancing to actual procedures performed with supervision from a licensed surgeon. One student may benefit most from the e-learning modules, while another only feels they truly learned the material while performing the procedure.
Surgical students and surgeons benefit from access to various training materials. When choosing a school, a staffing agency, or an employer, men and women should consider the resources offered, along with compensation, benefits, and other factors. This ensures they find the right fit for their needs and can gain the knowledge to advance their skills.
