A longitudinal cadaver-based simulation curriculum creates sustainable increases in resident confidence and exposure to fundamental techniques: Results of a 5-year program evaluation.

Introduction: For the past five years, our surgical residency program has led a cadaver-based simulation course focused on fundamental surgical maneuvers. This study aimed to quantify the impact of this course on resident exposure to surgical skills and longitudinal impact on resident education.

Methods: General surgery residents participated in an annual cadaver-based simulation curriculum. Participants completed surveys regarding improvements in knowledge and confidence; these results were stratified between course iterations (P1: 2 years, 2014-15; P2: 3 years, 2016-2018).

Results: Residents reported a sustained increase in knowledge of anatomy and technical dissection, confidence in performing operative skills independently, and exposure to operative skills that were otherwise not encountered in clinical rotations. Junior residents demonstrated an increase in gaining skills they would otherwise not achieve (87% vs. 98%, p = 0.028) and confidence to safely perform these procedures in the clinical setting (94% vs. 100%, p = 0.077).

Conclusion: This annual, longitudinal cadaver-based skills course focused on fundamental maneuvers demonstrates a sustained impact in resident and faculty surgical confidence in resident's operative skills as a component of a longitudinal simulation curriculum to enhance competency-based promotion.