SEA UK Project Grant
The successful applicants for the SEA UK Project Grant were:
Principal Applicant
Dr Nicholas Crabtree
Consultant Anaesthetist, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford
Title
ST1 Anaesthetic Recruit Training (START): A randomised, controlled single blinded trial to evaluate simulation enhanced teaching methods for novice anaesthetic trainees
Amount
£10,333
Scientific Abstract
Introduction: High-fidelity simulation is an increasingly important part of medical education. The Chief Medical Officer has recommended a greater role for simulation in UK medical education. Novice anaesthetists enter the specialty at ST1 level, with little or no anaesthetic experience. At a point where the learning curve is steepest, learning has lacked consistency with training opportunities depending on the trainer and on the caseload encountered.
Methods: We propose a randomised controlled single-blinded trial, using a novel simulation enhanced teaching programme covering theory, practice and non-technical skills developed for novice anaesthetists. 30 participants will be recruited over a period of 1 year. Control group participants will receive current-model teaching while the intervention group will undertake a pair of two-day simulation-based teaching sessions. The primary objective is to determine if simulator-enhanced teaching increases success taking the Royal College of Anaesthetists Initial Test of Competency. Secondary objectives will also be considered, including ascertaining both how trainees' confidence in managing critical incidents changes during their initial training, and how their non-technical skills (assessed by the Anaesthesia Non-Technical Skills scoring system (ANTS) develop.
First year report from Dr N Crabtree (71 KB)
Interim Report from Dr N Crabtree (125 KB)
Principal Applicant
Dr Marina Sawdon
Physiology Lecturer, School of Medicine & Health, Durham University
Title
Relating professionalism and conscientiousness to develop an objective, scalar measure of professionalism in anaesthetic trainees
Amount
£2,930
Scientific Abstract
Background: The concept of professionalism is complex and subjective and relies on expert judgements. However, it is possible that elements of professionalism may be indicated by objective measures. Studies have suggested that conscientiousness is a significant contributor to professionalism.
Aims: To develop a quantitative, objective approach to assessing professionalism, a 'Conscientiousness Index' (CI), in anaesthetic trainees.
Methodology: Consultant anaesthetists will participate in focus groups to attempt to define professionalism in anaesthesia. A CI will be developed, consisting of a sum of points awarded/deducted for non/completion of objective and easily measurable behaviours (tailored to anaesthetic trainees) related to conscientiousness. The anonymous CI data will be collated and correlated with consultants' expert, subjective views (unaware of their CI scores) of professionalism for those trainees.
Expected outcomes: Recent results from CI use in surgical, paramedic, clinical psychology, medical and dental training indicate that the CI is a reliable, valid measure of a major component of professionalism; conscientiousness.
Implications: This study may result in a more reliable and objective measure of professionalism in anaesthetic trainees, which will not require time and effort from expert consultants but simply the collation of already routinely collected data by administrators.
Interim Report from Dr M Sawdon (53 KB)
Final report from Dr M Sawdon.pdf (89 KB)
