Comparing the Variation in Laparoscopic Skills Acquisition in Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Genera… (NCT05116332) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Comparing the Variation in Laparoscopic Skills Acquisition in Obstetrics & Gynaecology and General Surgical Trainees
United Kingdom45 participantsStarted 2021-09-11
Plain-language summary
The investigators postulate that there is a difference in the acquisition of Fundamental Laparoscopic Skills (FLS) between general surgical and Obstetrics \& Gynaecology (O\&G) trainees. This discrepancy is also likely to influence the musculoskeletal and cognitive fatigue trainees experience within both specialties.
Additionally there is likely to be a discrepancy in the expectations of consultants and trainees on skills perceived to be important at the completion of training (CCT).
This study aims to compare and evaluate the discrepancy in FLS acquisition amongst O\&G and GS trainees in order to identify areas for improvements in the training pathway, the associated fatigue experience and highlight the expectations perceived to be required at the completion of training.
Who can participate
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* General surgery trainees at ST3/ST4/ST5/ST7/ST8 levels
* Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O\&G) at ST3/ST4/ST5/ST6/ST7 levels
* Consultants and trainees in general surgery and O\&G- For surveys on laparoscopic standards.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Those trainees who have had substantial pre-training experience in laparoscopic surgery such as those who have completed another surgical specialty training, have worked as clinical fellows or specialty doctors with substantial exposure to laparoscopic work will be excluded.
* Those trainees who are currently out of program/training and not doing regular clinical work or those trainees outside the North West deanery will also be excluded.
* For the safety of others, anybody with a positive Covid-19 test, symptoms, or contact with -someone infected with the virus will be excluded.
* Currently out of training (maternity leave, Higher degrees not involving any clinical work)
* Those who have completed another surgical specialty training, have worked as clinical fellows or specialty doctor with significant exposure to operative laparoscopic work.
* Withdrawal of consent.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial seems to be about training surgeons in laparoscopic techniques rather than testing a treatment for patients — can you help me understand whether this study is relevant to my own care at all, or is it purely a research study about surgical education?
2Since this trial compared how ob-gyn and general surgery trainees learn laparoscopic skills, should I ask whether my surgeon has completed structured laparoscopic training and how their skill level was assessed before operating on me?
3The trial measured factors like fatigue and mental strain during laparoscopic skills training — does that mean there are known risks when procedures are performed by trainees who may be fatigued, and how does your hospital manage that during my surgery?
4Now that this trial is completed, are there published findings about differences in skill acquisition between surgical specialties that could be relevant to choosing who performs my laparoscopic procedure?
5If this trial was about refining how surgeons are trained rather than testing a new treatment, would a more established, fully trained surgeon performing my laparoscopy be a safer or more appropriate option for my specific situation?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Average time to complete Fundamental Laparoscopic surgery (FLS) tasks.
Timeframe: Over the duration of the 45 minutes when trainees undertake the FLS tasks