“I got it on Ebay!”: cost-effective approach to surgical skills laboratories

详细信息    查看全文

• 作者：Ethan Schneider ; BA^a ; Paul J. Schenarts ; MD^b ; Valerie Shostrom ; MS^c ; Kimberly D. Schenarts ; PhD^b ; Charity H. Evans ; MD ; MS^b ; ^{charity.evans@unmc.edu}
• 关键词：Simulation ; Surgical skills laboratory ; Cost-effective ; Medical education ; Hand built ; Online
• 刊名：Journal of Surgical Research
• 出版年：2017
• 出版时间：January 2017
• 年：2017
• 卷：207
• 期：Complete
• 页码：190-197
• 全文大小：1191 K
• 卷排序：207

文摘

Surgical education is witnessing a surge in the use of simulation. However, implementation of simulation is often cost-prohibitive. Online shopping offers a low budget alternative. The aim of this study was to implement cost-effective skills laboratories and analyze online versus manufacturers' prices to evaluate for savings.Materials and methodsFour skills laboratories were designed for the surgery clerkship from July 2014 to June 2015. Skills laboratories were implemented using hand-built simulation and instruments purchased online. Trademarked simulation was priced online and instruments priced from a manufacturer. Costs were compiled, and a descriptive cost analysis of online and manufacturers' prices was performed. Learners rated their level of satisfaction for all educational activities, and levels of satisfaction were compared.ResultsA total of 119 third-year medical students participated. Supply lists and costs were compiled for each laboratory. A descriptive cost analysis of online and manufacturers' prices showed online prices were substantially lower than manufacturers, with a per laboratory savings of: $1779.26 (suturing), $1752.52 (chest tube), $2448.52 (anastomosis), and $1891.64 (laparoscopic), resulting in a year 1 savings of $47,285. Mean student satisfaction scores for the skills laboratories were 4.32, with statistical significance compared to live lectures at 2.96 (P < 0.05) and small group activities at 3.67 (P < 0.05).ConclusionsA cost-effective approach for implementation of skills laboratories showed substantial savings. By using hand-built simulation boxes and online resources to purchase surgical equipment, surgical educators overcome financial obstacles limiting the use of simulation and provide learning opportunities that medical students perceive as beneficial.