Assessment of learning through simulated surgical practices to prevent errors. Paraguay 2023

Abstract

This research analyzes theoretical approaches to simulation-based learning that allow the activities to guide teachers and students to reflect on their praxis. Considering that the main use of simulation learning is the mastery of technical skills because it provides the opportunity for an open and on-demand practice. Thus, students can make mistakes in a safe environment, learn from their mistakes and achieve proficiency through repetition and improvement by comparing the evolution of their skills. This can be evidenced by direct observation or the analysis of the recordings of processes performed in the simulator, which generate discussions and evaluate the performance of simulated clinical situations based on problems. Currently, there are legal ethical restrictions to perform direct practices on people and/or patients. Methodology: Observational, non-experimental, quantitative approach. Sample: 27 students with simulation laboratory experience. Results and Conclusions: the students consider that the simulated practice prevents errors and serious complications; a majority consider that it helped them to avoid serious errors and that the skills acquired helped to prevent all types of complications during the professional practice, therefore they value it as POSITIVE. They value that the errors avoided thanks to the simulated learning were: contamination of the surgical field by dressing correctly, correct assembly of the surgical table, correct gloving, contaminating materials and discarding sharps. As suggestions, they value that the number of supplies and equipment should be increased (updated), more hours of simulation practice, improvement of the teacher/student ratio, greater similarity with the operating room (realism of equipment, biological material), simulated practice program according to competencies per course, unified evaluation system, infrastructure and facilities, teachings regarding the use of supplies, materials, equipment and tools (traumatology), accompaniment once the simulation practice has been completed, simulated practice program for each year/course by specialty and competencies.