East Midlands simulation training day for cardiothoracic trainees

East Midlands simulation training day for cardiothoracic trainees

Mayooran Nithiananthan (Regional trainee representative - East Midlands, ST4 NTN trainee) Adam Szafranek (East Midlands cardiothoracic surgery TPD) Sri Rathinam (Chair, East Midlands cardiothoracic surgery training program)

We have successfully organised simulation training day for cardiothoracic trainees in east midlands. It was a one-day training event supported by East Midlands training program and Ethicon. This was the first regional study day of the National roll out of Ethicon/SCTS cardio thoracic simulators, which included Arryo Coronary simulator, aortic valve/root simulator, mitral valve repair simulator and VATS skills simulator.

The study day was facilitated by the Glenfield hospital education department and chaired by Mr Sridhar Rathinam (Chair, East Midlands training program) and Mr Adam Szafranek (East Midlands training program director). The day started with an inspiring video link talk from Mr Tomas Stupnik (VATS simulator developer) from Ljubljana University Medical Centre, Slovenia. Followed by didactic lectures from regional consultant trainers Ms Niki Nicou (consultant cardiac surgeon Nottingham City Hospital), Mr Mustafa Zakkar (Assoc. Professor/consultant cardiac surgeon, Glenfield hospital).

Trainees were divided into groups and opportunities were given to perform each simulator under direct supervision of consultant trainers. Also, each procedure performed by trainees were recorded in ISCP as a WBA performed at the course. The informal setting of the course has provided time and relaxed environment for trainees to engage and understand the individual procedures thoroughly. The trainers were also pleased to be a part of a regional training day to support the trainees.

Though the second wave of pandemic has come to an end, its effect on training hasn’t. Most of the cardiothoracic units have reduced their number of operating lists, planned elective operations have developed into complex procedures, ever mounting staffing issues, Brexit and Pingdemic leave us with unresolved challenges for training. It’s welcoming to notice that SCTS skills courses and training days have been restarted, which has been a huge support for the trainees. There are more and more locally initiated simulation training, wet labs and courses have sprung up during the Pandemic. Ethicon and their engagement with SCTS and SAC to implement regional training hub with award winning simulators are commendable.

Health Education England has also recently announced Covid-19 training fund to support the local proposals to improve training. We at East Midlands recently secured a sum of £7,000, through Covid-19 training fund, which will be used towards training activities and cardiothoracic cadaveric courses in the new year. n