Experiences and Perceptions of Ophthalmic Simulation-Based Surgical Education in Sub-Saharan Africa

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2021.04.005
• Publication Date: 2021-05-11T09:14:43Z
• Authors: Roxanne Annoh; Lena Morgon Banks; Stephen Gichuhi; John Buchan; William Makupa; Juliet Otiti; Agrippa Mukome; Simon Arunga; Matthew J. Burton; William H. Dean
• Keywords: Thematic Analysis; Simulation training; Surgical simulation

Simulation-based surgical education (SBSE) can positively impact trainee competence. However, a detailed qualitative study of the role simulation in ophthalmic has not previously been conducted.To explore experiences ophthalmologists and surgeon educators' use simulation, perceived challenges training.A multi-center, multi-country was conducted between October 2017 August 2020. Trainee from six training centers sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) (in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe South Africa) participated semi-structured interviews, before after an intense course intraocular surgery. Semi-structured interviews were also with experienced educators. Interviews anonymized, recorded, transcribed coded. An inductive, bottom-up, constant comparative method used for thematic analysis.Twenty-seven 12 educators included interviewed. The benefits conventional teaching, attributes educators, value barriers to implementing identified as major themes. Almost all trainees trainers reported patient safety, calm environment, possibility repetitive practice, facilitation reflective learning beneficial aspects SBSE. Perceived lack cases, poor supervision limited facilities.Simulation is important valuable model amongst SSA. Advocating expansion integration educationally robust skills may improve delivery throughout