Impact Of Simulation Based Training: A Global Survey

The aim of our study is to understand the impact of simulation-based training in reducing avoidable blindness due to cataract in the developing world.

The goal was to deliver a short two-minute survey to past trainees around the world (excluding China, for now) for graduates who trained with simulation-based training between November 2021 and July 2023. 

The goal was to deliver a short two-minute survey to past trainees around the world (excluding China, for now) for graduates who trained with simulation-based training between November 2021 and July 2023. To maximize responses, the survey was delivered in three languages (English, French, Spanish) and delivered through SurveyMonkey. Users received a unique URL tied to their email address. This survey was sent out twice during the survey period and responses were analysed.

• 80 respondents reported a total of 15,872 cataract surgeries (averaging 198.4 surgeries) for people who graduated between ~6-26 months ago
• India: 12,980 surgeries from 48 respondents
• Ghana: 1,324 surgeries from 1 respondent
• Togo: 570 surgeries from 3 respondents
• Guatemala: 250 surgeries from 4 respondents
• Liberia: 250 surgeries from 4 respondents
• Madagascar: 232 surgeries from 12 respondents
• Honduras: 70 surgeries from 1 respondent
• Nigeria: 59 surgeries from 2 respondents
• Peru: 50 surgeries from 1 respondent
• Senegal: 50 surgeries from 1 respondent (with a goal of 200)
• Mexico: 27 surgeries from 3 respondents
• Cuba: 10 surgeries from 1 respondent
  
  TOTAL: 15,872 total surgeries declared by 80 respondents for an average of 198.4 per surgeon

Simulation based training can help increase the cataract surgical rate especially in the developing world.

Our study shows that simulation-based training helps in increasing confidence and increase the no of cataract surgeries performed in the developing world.