Publications by authors named "Seifu Tesfay"
Introduction: Robotically assisted surgery has become very popular for numerous surgical disciplines, yet training practices remain variable with little to no validation. The purpose of this study was to develop a comprehensive, proficiency-based robotic training program.
Methods: A skill deconstruction list was generated by observation of robotic operations and interviews with experts.
Background: We previously developed a comprehensive proficiency-based robotic training curriculum demonstrating construct, content, and face validity. This study aimed to assess reliability, feasibility, and educational benefit associated with curricular implementation.
Methods: Over an 11-month period, 55 residents, fellows, and faculty (robotic novices) from general surgery, urology, and gynecology were enrolled in a 2-month curriculum: online didactics, half-day hands-on tutorial, and self-practice using nine inanimate exercises.
Background: We previously developed nine inanimate training exercises as part of a comprehensive, proficiency-based robotic training curriculum that addressed 23 unique skills identified via task deconstruction of robotic operations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate construct validity, workload, and expert levels for the nine exercises.
Methods: Expert robotic surgeons (n = 8, fellows and faculty) and novice trainees (n = 4, medical students) each performed three to five consecutive repetitions of nine previously reported exercises (five FLS models with or without modifications and four custom-made models).
Background: The authors previously developed a comprehensive, proficiency-based robotic training curriculum that aimed to address 23 unique skills identified via task deconstruction of robotic operations. The purpose of this study was to determine the content and face validity of this curriculum.
Methods: Expert robotic surgeons (n = 12) rated each deconstructed skill regarding relevance to robotic operations, were oriented to the curricular components, performed 3 to 5 repetitions on the 9 exercises, and rated each exercise.
Background: Our aim was to develop an objective scoring system and evaluate construct and face validity for a laparoscopic troubleshooting team training exercise.
Methods: Surgery and gynecology novices (n = 14) and experts (n = 10) participated. Assessments included the following: time-out, scenario decision making (SDM) score (based on essential treatments rendered and completion time), operating room communication assessment (investigator developed), line operations safety audits (teamwork), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index (workload).
Background: Interest in laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) is growing rapidly among surgeons. This study aimed to characterize current surgeon impressions about LESS and to determine the relative difficulty of performing a simulated LESS task using a multiport access device.
Methods: This study was conducted at the 2009 Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) Learning Center.
Background: The purpose of this study was to determine 2-year performance retention and certification exam pass rate after completion of a proficiency-based fundamental laparoscopic skills (FLS) curriculum and subsequent interval training.
Methods: Surgery residents (postgraduate year [PGY]1-5, n = 91) were enrolled in an Institutional Review Board approved protocol. All participants initially underwent proficiency-based training on all 5 FLS tasks.
Background: The authors have previously documented a 100% certification pass rate immediately after a proficiency-based skills training curriculum for the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) program. This study aimed to determine the durability of skills acquired after initial training.
Methods: For this study, 21 novice medical students were enrolled in institutional review board (IRB)-approved protocols at two institutions.
Background: The purpose of this study was to determine performance retention after initial and ongoing Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) skills training.
Methods: Surgery residents (postgraduate year [PGY] 1-5; n = 91) initially underwent proficiency-based training during a 2-month period for all 5 FLS tasks. Subsequently, available residents (PGY 2-5; n = 44) were enrolled in a follow-up curriculum for Tasks 4 and 5, with retention testing at 6.
Objectives: The aim of this proficiency-based, open knot-tying and suturing study was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing this curriculum within a residency program, and to assess construct validity and educational benefit.
Methods: PGY1 residents (n = 37) were enrolled in an Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved prospective study that was conducted over a 12-week period. Trainees viewed a video tutorial during orientation and as needed; they self-practiced to proficiency for 12 standardized knot-tying, practiced suturing tasks; performed 1 repetition of each task at baseline and posttesting; and completed questionnaires.
The purpose of this study was to develop a method of laparoscopic biliary bypass utilizing a PTFE-covered biliary stent. An animal model of common bile duct obstruction was developed. Three days before the planned choledochojejunostomy, the common duct in 10 female pigs was ligated using mini-laparoscopy instrumentation (2 mm) to create an obstruction model.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery (FLS) program has been extensively validated for use as a high-stakes examination for certification purposes, but optimal methods for its use in skills training have not been described. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of implementing a proficiency-based FLS skills training curriculum and to evaluate its effectiveness in preparing trainees for certification.
Methods: For this study, 21 novice medical students at two institutions viewed video tutorials, then performed one repetition of the five FLS tasks as a pretest.
Background: The purpose of this study was to develop a structured open skills curriculum for knot-tying and suturing using expert-derived performance goals and to examine its feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and construct validity.
Methods: Using commercially available bench models, 11 standardized tasks (ranging from 2-handed knot-tying to running subcuticular closure) were developed and scored using previously validated metrics based on time and errors. Expert performance was used to establish training endpoints and to create a video tutorial.
Background: The "Southwestern" videotrainer stations have demonstrated concurrent validity (transferability to the operating room). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Southwestern stations for construct validity (the ability to discriminate between subjects at different levels of experience).
Materials And Methods: From two surgical training programs, Institutional Review Board approved protocol data were collected from 142 subjects, including novice (medical students and R1, n = 66), intermediate (R2-R4, n = 67), and advanced (R5 and expert surgeons, n = 9) groups.
Background: Resident work hours may impact patient care. We hypothesized that "call-associated" acute sleep deprivation has no effect on technical dexterity as measured on a minimally invasive surgery trainer, virtual reality (MIST VR) surgical simulator.
Methods: Thirty-five surgical residents were prospectively evaluated pre-call (rested), on-call (rested), and post-call (acutely sleep deprived).