Scotland's "Incentivised Laparoscopy Practice" programme: Engaging trainees with take-home laparoscopy simulation.

Background: The transfer validity of portable laparoscopy simulation is well established. However, attempts to integrate take-home simulation into surgical training have met with inconsistent engagement worldwide, as for example in our 2014-15 study of an Incentivised Laparoscopy Practice programme (ILPv1). Drawing on learning from our subsequent multi-centre study examining barriers and facilitators, we revised the programme for 2018 onwards.

Incentivising practice with take-home laparoscopic simulators in two UK Core Surgical Training programmes.

Introduction: Practice using simulators has been validated as a mean for surgical trainees to improve basic laparoscopic skills and free their attention for higher cognitive functions. However, mere provision of equipment does not result in frequent practice. This study assesses one approach to incentivising practice within core surgical training programmes and leads to further recommendations.

Simulation-based education: understanding the socio-cultural complexity of a surgical training 'boot camp'.

Objective: The focus of simulation-based education (SBE) research has been limited to outcome and effectiveness studies. The effect of social and cultural influences on SBE is unclear and empirical work is lacking. Our objective in this study was to explore and understand the complexity of context and social factors at a surgical boot camp (BC).

Driven to distraction: a prospective controlled study of a simulated ward round experience to improve patient safety teaching for medical students.

Background: Distraction and interruption are endemic in the clinical environment and contribute to error. This study assesses whether simulation-based training with targeted feedback can improve undergraduate management of distractions and interruptions to reduce error-making.

Design: A prospective non-randomised controlled study.

Providing a specialty trainee teaching programme over long distances.

Background: Today's teaching programmes must be interesting, relevant to the surgical curriculum, as defined in the UK by the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme (ISCP), and attractive enough to the trainee so that they encourage attendance without compromising operative experience.

Methods: Our aim was to achieve the objectives of the ISCP and to provide high-quality teaching to the trainees. We devised a 2-year rolling programme of events to cover the knowledge and skills required for general surgical training for both the Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) and Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) examinations.

Complications of stomas: their aetiology and management.

The formation of a stoma is an essential part of many colorectal operations. Despite the frequency with which these surgeries are performed and the number of specialists involved in stoma care, complications are still common. This article investigates the most common complications, explains the reasons for their occurrence and suggests potential management options.