ANZ journal of surgery
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ANZ journal of surgery · Oct 2012
Multi-site videoconference tutorials for medical students in Australia.
About two-thirds of medical students are distributed among the major metropolitan tertiary teaching hospitals in Queensland, while the remainder are sent to regional hospitals up to 500 km away. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of conducting surgical tutorials via videoconferencing (VC) for medical students undertaking at remote hospitals. ⋯ Our study demonstrates that VC is a feasible and effective method of engaging medical students regardless of their location. VC provides equitable access to medical teaching for medical students undertaking remote clinical placements.
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In this paper, we review the literature to date on technical competence in surgeons; how it can be defined, taught to trainees and assessed. We also examine how we can predict which candidates for surgical training will most likely develop technical competence. While technical competency is just one aspect of what makes a good surgeon, we have recognized a need to review the literature in this area and to combine this with broader definitions of competency. Our review found that several methods are available to objectively measure, assess and predict technical competence and should be used in surgical training.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Oct 2012
Comparative StudyEnhanced recovery after surgery versus conventional care in colonic and rectal surgery.
Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programmes have been shown to improve outcomes after colonic surgery. However, there is less evidence supporting ERAS in rectal surgery. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of conventional perioperative care with those of an ERAS pathway including both colonic and rectal surgery patients. ⋯ Patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery managed within the ERAS pathway had shorter hospital stays without increased morbidity or mortality. Differences were less pronounced in the rectal surgery subgroup and further research is needed to investigate the use of ERAS pathways for patients undergoing elective rectal surgery.