Conisation course for medical students-experience from a German University Hospital

Abstract

Objective: Conisation of the cervix is one of the most common surgical procedures in gynaecology. Nevertheless, surgical expertise is required because if the cone is too small, the oncological risk increases and if the cone is too large, the obstetric risk increases. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the suitability of an in-house conisation simulator for teaching medical students the practical performance of conisation. Material and Methods:Following a demonstration, students performed a loop conisation with a target depth of 8-10 mm using the simulator.Cone biopsy dimensions were analysed and a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) score was calculated. The students were surveyed using a questionnaire of 12 items with five possible responses for each in order to investigate the suitability and realism of the teaching experience.Results: Eighty-nine students participated in the course. The median (range) cone depth was 8 (3-25) mm with a standard deviation of 3.3 mm.The observed LEEP score amounted to 1.5. The questionnaire was answered by 88 students and completed by 86. Survey results showed the course was consistently rated as positive, especially towards the increase in practical skills. The questionnaire item producing the highest score was "I enjoyed the course" while the statement "I have gained enough self-confidence for the application of high-frequency surgery" received the lowest approval score. Students considered the course to be realistic and a helpful teaching exercise. Conclusion:Practical surgery exercises on the surgical simulator were received positively. Simulation training could be extended to other gynaecological operations and to other medical subjects. (J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc 2020; 21: 79-83)

Teaching breast ultrasound skills including core-needle biopsies on a phantom enhances undergraduate student’s knowledge and learning satisfaction

“…Hamza et al [ 11 ] and Takacs et al [ 20 ] reported similar positive results from comparable programs in other disciplines.…”

Students’ attitudes toward digital learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey conducted following an online course in gynecology and obstetrics

“…Our students indicated that the online course could not replace a practical course with patient contact and indicated that they missed patient-centered learning, an elementary educational component that enhances students' understanding and awareness of the complexity of patient care [20,21]. In addition to bedside-teaching, practical units on diverse topics (e.g., intrauterine devices, conization, laparoscopy, and obstetric ultrasound) with patient contact or realistic scenarios improve medical students' knowledge and understanding [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30].…”

Students’ attitudes toward digital learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey conducted following an online course in gynecology and obstetrics

“…Our students indicated that the online course could not replace a practical course with patient contact and indicated that they missed patient-centered learning, an elementary educational component that enhances students' understanding and awareness of the complexity of patient care [19,20]. In addition to bedside teaching, practical units on diverse topics (e.g., intrauterine devices, conization, laparoscopy, and obstetric ultrasound) with patient contact or realistic scenarios improve medical students' knowledge and understanding [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29].…”