Silicone as a smart solution for simulating soft tissue-an iterative approach to developing a high-fidelity sustainable training model for laparoscopic appendectomy.

Background: Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is an effective treatment for the surgical care of appendicitis, with this minimally invasive approach allowing patients to typically spend less time in hospital and promptly return to normal life activities. Residents can acquire the competence and confidence needed in a safe learning environment prior to real patient encounters through simulation-based learning of these techniques. We propose a low cost, sustainable, high fidelity simulation-based training model for LA to compliment regular resident practice of these skills.

Remote feedback in endovascular simulation training: a mixed-methods study.

Background: There is an increasing need to increase simulation-based learning opportunities for vascular surgery residents in endovascular skills training. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of remote expert instructional feedback of endovascular simulation-based education, as a means of increasing training opportunities in this area for vascular surgery residents.

Methods: A mixed-methods study design was adopted.

Collating evidence to support the validation of a simulated laparotomy incision and closure-training model.

Background: It is essential to evaluate the functionality of surgical simulation models, in order to determine whether they perform as intended. In this study, we assessed the use of a simulated laparotomy incision and closure-training model by collating validity evidence to determine its utility as well as pre and post-test interval data.

Method: This was a quantitative study design, informed by Messick's unified validity framework.

Weight management for veterans: examining change in weight before and after MOVE!

In the year 2000, 31% of women and 40% of men receiving outpatient care at Veteran Affairs (VA) medical facilities were overweight (BMI ≥25 and <30 kg/m(2)); 37.4% of women and 32.9% of men were obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m(2)).