Abstract
Background Surgical education is witnessing a surge in the use of simulation. However, implementation of simulation is often cost-prohibitive. Online shopping offers a low budget alternative. The aim of this study was to implement cost-effective skills laboratories and analyze online versus manufacturers' prices to evaluate for savings. Materials and methods Four skills laboratories were designed for the surgery clerkship from July 2014 to June 2015. Skills laboratories were implemented using hand-built simulation and instruments purchased online. Trademarked simulation was priced online and instruments priced from a manufacturer. Costs were compiled, and a descriptive cost analysis of online and manufacturers' prices was performed. Learners rated their level of satisfaction for all educational activities, and levels of satisfaction were compared. Results A total of 119 third-year medical students participated. Supply lists and costs were compiled for each laboratory. A descriptive cost analysis of online and manufacturers' prices showed online prices were substantially lower than manufacturers, with a per laboratory savings of: $1779.26 (suturing), $1752.52 (chest tube), $2448.52 (anastomosis), and $1891.64 (laparoscopic), resulting in a year 1 savings of $47,285. Mean student satisfaction scores for the skills laboratories were 4.32, with statistical significance compared to live lectures at 2.96 (P < 0.05) and small group activities at 3.67 (P < 0.05). Conclusions A cost-effective approach for implementation of skills laboratories showed substantial savings. By using hand-built simulation boxes and online resources to purchase surgical equipment, surgical educators overcome financial obstacles limiting the use of simulation and provide learning opportunities that medical students perceive as beneficial.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 190-197 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Journal of Surgical Research |
| Volume | 207 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jan 1 2017 |
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Keywords
- Cost-effective
- Hand built
- Medical education
- Online
- Simulation
- Surgical skills laboratory
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
Cite this
“I got it on Ebay!” : cost-effective approach to surgical skills laboratories. / Schneider, Ethan; Schenarts, Paul J; Shostrom, Valerie; Schenarts, Kimberly D; Evans, Charity H.
In: Journal of Surgical Research, Vol. 207, 01.01.2017, p. 190-197.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - “I got it on Ebay!”
T2 - cost-effective approach to surgical skills laboratories
AU - Schneider, Ethan
AU - Schenarts, Paul J
AU - Shostrom, Valerie
AU - Schenarts, Kimberly D
AU - Evans, Charity H
PY - 2017/1/1
Y1 - 2017/1/1
N2 - Background Surgical education is witnessing a surge in the use of simulation. However, implementation of simulation is often cost-prohibitive. Online shopping offers a low budget alternative. The aim of this study was to implement cost-effective skills laboratories and analyze online versus manufacturers' prices to evaluate for savings. Materials and methods Four skills laboratories were designed for the surgery clerkship from July 2014 to June 2015. Skills laboratories were implemented using hand-built simulation and instruments purchased online. Trademarked simulation was priced online and instruments priced from a manufacturer. Costs were compiled, and a descriptive cost analysis of online and manufacturers' prices was performed. Learners rated their level of satisfaction for all educational activities, and levels of satisfaction were compared. Results A total of 119 third-year medical students participated. Supply lists and costs were compiled for each laboratory. A descriptive cost analysis of online and manufacturers' prices showed online prices were substantially lower than manufacturers, with a per laboratory savings of: $1779.26 (suturing), $1752.52 (chest tube), $2448.52 (anastomosis), and $1891.64 (laparoscopic), resulting in a year 1 savings of $47,285. Mean student satisfaction scores for the skills laboratories were 4.32, with statistical significance compared to live lectures at 2.96 (P < 0.05) and small group activities at 3.67 (P < 0.05). Conclusions A cost-effective approach for implementation of skills laboratories showed substantial savings. By using hand-built simulation boxes and online resources to purchase surgical equipment, surgical educators overcome financial obstacles limiting the use of simulation and provide learning opportunities that medical students perceive as beneficial.
AB - Background Surgical education is witnessing a surge in the use of simulation. However, implementation of simulation is often cost-prohibitive. Online shopping offers a low budget alternative. The aim of this study was to implement cost-effective skills laboratories and analyze online versus manufacturers' prices to evaluate for savings. Materials and methods Four skills laboratories were designed for the surgery clerkship from July 2014 to June 2015. Skills laboratories were implemented using hand-built simulation and instruments purchased online. Trademarked simulation was priced online and instruments priced from a manufacturer. Costs were compiled, and a descriptive cost analysis of online and manufacturers' prices was performed. Learners rated their level of satisfaction for all educational activities, and levels of satisfaction were compared. Results A total of 119 third-year medical students participated. Supply lists and costs were compiled for each laboratory. A descriptive cost analysis of online and manufacturers' prices showed online prices were substantially lower than manufacturers, with a per laboratory savings of: $1779.26 (suturing), $1752.52 (chest tube), $2448.52 (anastomosis), and $1891.64 (laparoscopic), resulting in a year 1 savings of $47,285. Mean student satisfaction scores for the skills laboratories were 4.32, with statistical significance compared to live lectures at 2.96 (P < 0.05) and small group activities at 3.67 (P < 0.05). Conclusions A cost-effective approach for implementation of skills laboratories showed substantial savings. By using hand-built simulation boxes and online resources to purchase surgical equipment, surgical educators overcome financial obstacles limiting the use of simulation and provide learning opportunities that medical students perceive as beneficial.
KW - Cost-effective
KW - Hand built
KW - Medical education
KW - Online
KW - Simulation
KW - Surgical skills laboratory
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84991660851&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84991660851&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.jss.2016.08.017
DO - 10.1016/j.jss.2016.08.017
M3 - Article
C2 - 27979476
AN - SCOPUS:84991660851
VL - 207
SP - 190
EP - 197
JO - Journal of Surgical Research
JF - Journal of Surgical Research
SN - 0022-4804
ER -