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"Kavanagh, Barry F"
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From simulation to surgery: exploring variables influencing the translational impact of simulation-based education in neurosurgical competence
Background
Simulation-enhanced education (SEE) is increasingly integral to neurosurgical training, yet the mechanisms underpinning effective skill to clinical practice remain under-explored. This study, grounded in the Four-Component Instructional Design (4 C/ID) model and principles of deliberate practice investigates key variables influencing the translational impact of SEE on neurosurgical competence.
Methods
A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected via a 17-item questionnaire administered to neurosurgical residents and experts (
n
= 57), capturing domains such as instructional design, fidelity, skill transfer and assessment. Descriptive statistics, internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha), and exploratory factor analysis were used to identify prevailing trends and subscales. These findings informed semi-structured interviews (
n
= 13), which probed underlying factors affecting skill transfer. Interview data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis, with themes mapped to quantitative constructs. Triangulation was achieved by integrating both data strands, and multiple researchers contributed to coding and analysis to enhance credibility.
Results
Participants reported that SEE improved procedural confidence, technical competence, and task fluency. However, concerns persist around the realism of simulation, it’s applicability to complex clinical scenarios, and engagement among senior residents. Integration of quantitative and qualitative findings highlighted the value of simulation for procedural readiness and objective assessment, particularly when training design aligned with cognitive learning theory. Triangulation confirmed the robustness of emerging themes and provided a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing translational impact.
Conclusion
SEE supports the development of neurosurgical competence, particularly when grounded in robust instructional design and deliberate practice. Addressing challenges related to fidelity, transferability, and engagement will further the predictive validity and adaptive realism of neurosurgical simulation curricula.
Journal Article
Single-Use or Disposable Flexible Bronchoscopy in Advanced Bronchoscopy Procedures: Experience in a Quaternary Referral Centre
Background: The development of single-use flexible or disposable bronchoscopes (SUFBs) has accelerated in recent years, with the reduced risk of infectious transmission and reduced need for endoscopy staffing particularly advantageous in the COVID-19 pandemic era. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the performance of a novel single-use bronchoscope in an academic quaternary referral centre with on-site interventional pulmonology programme. Methods: With ethical approval in a quaternary referral centre, we prospectively collected data on sequential bronchoscopy procedures using The Surgical Company Broncoflex© range of SUFBs. Data collected included demographic, procedural, scope performance, user satisfaction, and complication parameters in a tertiary bronchoscopy service. Results: 139 procedures were performed by five pulmonology faculty from January to July 2021. The majority were carried out for infection (45%) and malignancy (32%). Most were performed in the endoscopy suite and 8% were COVID positive or suspected. Most procedures reported the highest score in satisfaction (85%) with technical limitations reported in 15% (predominately related to scope suction or inadequate image quality) reverting to a reusable scope in 2.8 %. Conclusion: In our subset of patients in a bronchoscopy unit, SUFBs are safe, and both routine and advanced bronchoscopy procedures can be performed with high satisfaction reported.
Journal Article
Adopt a Lake: Successfully Tracking Harmful Cyanobacterial Blooms in Canadian Surface Waters Through Citizen Science
The proliferation of harmful waterborne cyanobacterial algal blooms, some of which can produce potent toxins, poses severe risks to environmental and human health. Academic and governmental monitoring efforts may be constrained by budget, time, and staff, and thus miss otherwise significant pollution events. Here, we report on the implementation of a citizen science project to track harmful cyanobacterial blooms in lakes and waterways across Canada. Through both crowdsourcing and crowdfunding, the Adopt a Lake (Adopt a Lake 2022) campaign aimed to document the potential presence of cyanobacteria and toxins with the assistance of participants, thus improving public awareness of the issue of water quality preservation. Using social media, participants were encouraged to participate in the initiative by collecting samples during a bloom from a nearby pond or by making a financial contribution to support the initiative. Adopt a Lake benefitted from the analytical platform of Algal Blooms Treatment, Risk Assessment, Predictions, and Prevention (ATRAPP), a research project focused on the prediction and management of harmful cyanobacterial blooms. The presence of cyanotoxins, which can confirm whether a lake has a toxic bloom, was determined through high-resolution mass spectrometry analyses. This paper presents an overview of the implementation of the Adopt a Lake initiative, the campaign’s status, and the lessons learned, and it argues the importance of continual monitoring of cyanobacterial blooms.
Journal Article
