Riassunto dello studio

Twenty-eight medical trainees were randomized to receive 3 weekly sessions of unguided simulation practice (n=14) or no practice (n=14) for the training of locking screw placement using the "perfect circle" technique. Outcomes of interest included the incidence of success (i.e., completion within 20 minute time limit), radiation time, task completion time, and overall task score. Outcomes were measured after the completion of the 3-week training period. Results revealed a significantly higher rate of success (p=0.041) and shorter task completion time (p=0.001) in the simulation practice group. Radiation time was not statistically significantly different between groups, but trended in favour of the simulation training group (p=0.07). Also, overall task score was not significantly different between groups (p=0.084).