A novel cadaveric simulation program in urology.

Objective: To evaluate the urology human cadaver training program developed by the British Association of Urological Surgeons.

Design: This prospective, observational comparative study recruited urology residents, with different levels of experience, in 2 sessions of a 3-day modular cadaveric operative urology training. Participants performed various procedures on fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens, as per module, supervised by certified urological surgeons. At the conclusion of each module, all residents and faculty were invited to complete an evaluation survey.

Setting: The training days were hosted by the British Association of Urological Surgeons at the University of Manchester Surgical Skills and Simulation Centre.

Participants: A total of 81 urology residents were recruited, with a maximum of 14 participants attending each module, over 2 sessions. We allocated 2 participants to each cadaver with access to all necessary equipment and guidance.

Results: A total of 102 evaluation surveys were received from the trainees and faculty; a response rate of 94%. All procedures scored a mean of 3 on 5 for face validity, which is higher than the acceptability range. Regarding content validity, participants and faculty rated all aspects ≥3 on 5. Respondents held a positive view of the cadaver sessions and believed them to be useful for learning anatomy and steps of an operation (mean = 4.54) and as a confidence booster for performing a procedure (mean = 4.33). Furthermore, it was thought that the training program significantly improved skills (mean = 4.11), gave transferrable skills for the operating room (mean = 4.21), and was feasible to be incorporated into training programs (mean = 4.29). Human cadaveric simulation was rated as the best mode of simulation-based training for all the procedures in the curriculum.

Conclusions: This study on cadaveric simulation training demonstrated face and content validities. It also showed feasibility, acceptability, a high value for educational influence and cost-effectiveness for cadaveric simulation. A simulation-based training pathway has been proposed for effective procedural training in urology.