The Journal of urology
-
The Journal of urology · Jul 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialLaboratory based training in urological microsurgery with bench model simulators: a randomized controlled trial evaluating the durability of technical skill.
We evaluated the durability of laboratory based technical skills training in urological microsurgery using bench model simulators. ⋯ Laboratory based technical skills training with bench models can lead to a significant retention of technical skill by novice surgeons. Measured performance improvements appear to be durable with time. However, the opportunity for repeat hands-on practice appears to maximize the retention of technical skill.
-
The Journal of urology · Jul 2004
An historical review of graduate medical education and a protocol of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education compliance.
A brief history of American graduate medical education is discussed to provide a context for understanding the new standards set forth by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The evaluation protocol of the University of Washington, which is structured around the 6 core competencies, is described. ⋯ A key factor to the success of residency training and ACGME accreditation will be the education of residents and faculty about the new ACGME regulations. The University of Washington Department of Urology is poised to engage the new model by creating new call coverage strategies, applying new metrics to old teaching models and using electronic database systems.
-
The Journal of urology · Jul 2004
Hand assisted laparoscopic training for postgraduate urologists: the role of mentoring.
Hand assisted laparoscopy (HAL) has recently been accepted as a safe alternative for nephrectomy. HAL courses have been offered at several institutions to train novice laparoscopic surgeons in this minimally invasive surgical procedure. Mentoring by a course instructor or an experienced laparoscopist provides assistance to surgeons with their initial operation. However, to our knowledge the impact of mentoring on the clinical practice of HAL is not known. Therefore, we evaluated the clinical practice patterns of urologists following a postgraduate HAL course, comparing course graduates who underwent subsequent mentoring with those who were not mentored. ⋯ Mentoring provides a useful adjunct to postgraduate urological training and the integration of laparoscopic techniques into the community based practice of urology.