Respiration; international review of thoracic diseases
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Editorial Comment Review
Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction: a window for the future?
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Technically challenging professions such as those of the defense and transportation industries increasingly use computer-based simulation and written self-learning instruments for education and to determine competency. A structured learning curriculum does not exist, however, for flexible bronchoscopy, a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure performed on thousands of patients by respiratory specialists, otolaryngologists, anesthesiologists, and surgeons worldwide. ⋯ Trainees concluded that (1) bronchoscopy simulation was realistic, (2) simulator-based practice would help improve technical skills, and (3) a written questionnaire would benefit theoretical knowledge acquisition if designed as a learning instrument. The wide variability noted in this study as well as the lack of a relationship between technical skill, knowledge of bronchoscopy theory, extent of training, and bronchoscopy experience suggest that competency should not be assumed based on years of bronchoscopy training or on an arbitrary number of procedures performed.