• L J Nayahangan, L Konge, T V Schroeder, C Paltved, K G Lindorff-Larsen, B U Nielsen, and J P Eiberg.
• Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation, The Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark. Electronic address: leizl.joy.nayahangan@regionh.dk.
• Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2017 Apr 1; 53 (4): 591-599.

Objectives And BackgroundPractical skills training in vascular surgery is facing challenges because of an increased number of endovascular procedures and fewer open procedures, as well as a move away from the traditional principle of "learning by doing." This change has established simulation as a cornerstone in providing trainees with the necessary skills and competences. However, the development of simulation based programs often evolves based on available resources and equipment, reflecting convenience rather than a systematic educational plan. The objective of the present study was to perform a national needs assessment to identify the technical procedures that should be integrated in a simulation based curriculum.Design And MethodsA national needs assessment using a Delphi process was initiated by engaging 33 predefined key persons in vascular surgery. Round 1 was a brainstorming phase to identify technical procedures that vascular surgeons should learn. Round 2 was a survey that used a needs assessment formula to explore the frequency of procedures, the number of surgeons performing each procedure, risk and/or discomfort, and feasibility for simulation based training. Round 3 involved elimination and ranking of procedures.ResultsThe response rate for round 1 was 70%, with 36 procedures identified. Round 2 had a 76% response rate and resulted in a preliminary prioritised list after exploring the need for simulation based training. Round 3 had an 85% response rate; 17 procedures were eliminated, resulting in a final prioritised list of 19 technical procedures.ConclusionA national needs assessment using a standardised Delphi method identified a list of procedures that are highly suitable and may provide the basis for future simulation based training programs for vascular surgeons in training.Copyright © 2017 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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