PIGS (Porcine Integrated General Surgery Simulation) Curriculum

Abstract

Abstract This resource uses models made from different pig parts to simulate common general surgery operations in order to fill the gap between the current inanimate models and cadaveric or animal labs. Implementation of this curriculum should help early learners by teaching basic operative principles, common operations steps, surgical instruments, and energy devices. It also provides them an opportunity to practice basic surgical skills in the context of an operation. This resource includes narrated instruction videos of the simulated tasks, which the residents are expected to watch before the skill session. Using the conceptual framework of scaffolding, trainees are allowed to progress or mature by working on increasingly complex tasks and building on previously-learned skills. The simulated tasks are repeated once to allow additional deliberate practice and to allow mastery in skills. One session toward the end of the year is designated as the final evaluation session where the residents are evaluated using both an objective structured assessment of technical skills test and the checklist.

Keywords

• General Surgery
• Simulated Tasks