Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine (May 2021)

Rational and Design of the SIMULATOR Study: A Multicentre Randomized Study to Assess the Impact of SIMULation-bAsed Training on Transoesophageal echocardiOgraphy leaRning for Cardiology Residents

  • Théo Pezel,
  • Théo Pezel,
  • Théo Pezel,
  • Théo Pezel,
  • Anne Bernard,
  • Anne Bernard,
  • Anne Bernard,
  • Yoan Lavie Badie,
  • Julien Dreyfus,
  • Etienne Audureau,
  • Etienne Audureau,
  • Yohann Bohbot,
  • Yohann Bohbot,
  • Yohann Bohbot,
  • Damien Fard,
  • Arnaud Hubert,
  • Lee S. Nguyen,
  • Cécile Monteil,
  • Loïc Bière,
  • Florent Le Ven,
  • Marjorie Canu,
  • Sophie Ribeyrolles,
  • Baptiste Mion,
  • Basile Mouhat,
  • Baptiste Bazire,
  • Charles Fauvel,
  • Julien Ternacle,
  • Jennifer Cautela,
  • Théo Cambet,
  • Thierry Le Tourneau,
  • Erwan Donal,
  • Stéphane Lafitte,
  • Nicolas Mansencal,
  • Nicolas Mansencal,
  • Augustin Coisne,
  • Augustin Coisne

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2021.661355
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8

Abstract

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Introduction: Simulation-based training in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) seems promising. However, data are limited to non-randomized or single-center studies. To assess the impact of simulation-based vs. traditional teaching on TEE knowledge and performance for medical residents in cardiology.Materials and Methods: Nationwide prospective randomized multicenter study involving 43 centers throughout France allowing for the inclusion of >70% of all French cardiology residents. All cardiology residents naive from TEE will be included. Randomization with stratification by center will allocate residents to either a control group receiving theoretical knowledge by e-learning only, or to an intervention group receiving two simulation-based training sessions on a TEE simulator in addition.Results: All residents will undergo both a theoretical test (0–100 points) and a practical test on a TEE simulator (0–100 points) before and 3 months after the training. Satisfaction will be assessed by a 5-points Likert scale. The primary outcomes will be to compare the scores in the final theoretical and practical tests between the two groups, 3 months after the completion of the training.Conclusion: Data regarding simulation-based learning in TEE are limited to non-randomized or single-center studies. The randomized multicenter SIMULATOR study will assess the impact of simulation-based vs. traditional teaching on TEE knowledge and performance for medical residents in cardiology, and whether such an educational program should be proposed in first line for TEE teaching.

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