Effect of surgical simulator training on student and live animal outcomes in a feline ovariohysterectomy teaching laboratory.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of training with a high-fidelity surgical simulator on outcomes of live animals and students participating in a feline ovariohysterectomy teaching laboratory.

Study design: Nonrandomized controlled trial.

Sample population: Cats (n = 186) and students (n = 146).

Methods: Live animals were paired with student surgeons. Outcomes for animals and students were evaluated over two consecutive years before (year 1: NO SIM) and after (year 2: SIM) the introduction of a graded student teaching laboratory conducted on a high fidelity surgical simulator. Live animal surgical times and postoperative pain scores using the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale - Feline acute pain scale as well as self-declared student confidence were assessed and the scores of the two groups were compared.

Results: The duration of the live animal surgical procedure was on average 6 min shorter in the SIM group (p = .04). A pain score triggering intervention (> = 5/20) occurred less frequently in the SIM group (n = 1/82) than in the NO-SIM (n = 16/104) group (p < .01). Similarly, rescue analgesia was administered less frequently (4/82 vs 16/104, p = .03) in the SIM group. Student confidence prior to the live animal procedure was higher (median = 7/10 [IQR = 6-8]) in the SIM group than in the NO-SIM group (median = 6/10 [IQR = 4-7]) (p < .01).

Conclusion: Surgical simulator training prior to live animal procedures improves live animal outcomes and student confidence.

Clinical significance: Surgical simulator competency should be considered a prerequisite to participation in live animal teaching laboratories. This would improve both animal welfare and the student experience.