Purpose of the toolkit
To provide information and practical guidance on how to set up and develop a formal and structured RCOG laparoscopic simulation programme.
Why is this toolkit needed?
As highlighted in the “Training in gynaecological surgery recovery plan”, the RCOG acknowledges the many challenges facing the delivery of high quality gynaecological surgical training in the UK.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these issues with the interruption and slow recovery of elective and emergency gynaecological surgery. This has resulted in less surgical exposure for trainees, reduced confidence in their surgical skills and an overall negative impact on morale.
Whilst there is no substitute for surgical exposure, simulation training has been shown to be beneficial in not only developing core surgical skills but maintaining these skills through repetition and practice.
The aim of creating a structured laparoscopic simulation programme will allow all trainees to gain a high standard of theoretical knowledge while also building up key surgical skills including hand eye coordination and dexterity. Repetition and practice throughout the training programme will allow these skills to be maintained and further developed and will hopefully allow trainees to maximise their theatre operating opportunities when they do arise and increase trainer and trainee confidence.