Aproximación conceptual desde la observación de talleres hands-on de la asociación colombiana de endoscopia digestiva. un estudio de caso

Introduction: Simulation is an educational tool that consists of artificial replication of phenomena, processes or real situations in order to achieve an established academic goal. The aim of this study is to describe the pedagogical elements and the organizational model used in activities simulating endoscopy at an international convention of digestive endoscopy in order to compare them with the categories currently accepted for Medical Education Based on Simulation.

Methods: This is a qualitative, cross-sectional study. Data were collected during five hours of simulation workshops attended by six instructors and 40 students. Data were collected through observation, notes, checklists, oral and visual records, interviews with instructors and student surveys. The information was analyzed and compared using five categories accepted in previous work and related to Medical Education Based on Simulation.

Results: Five workstations were designed for the acquisition and development of individual technical skills. The allocation of time and the design of the workshops led to overcrowded work stations, unequal opportunities, and a five hour long stretch of work. This was, stressful for both students and instructors. Nevertheless, students perceived the simulation exercises of the convention as positive activities.

Conclusions: This study allows us to propose suggestions for improving activities at future events. First, it is essential that all components of the simulation be planned, designed and implemented according to established learning objectives. Second, all simulations should be accompanied by some kind of feedback. Third, it is recommended that highly structured formats be used during all stages of the simulation when participants do not have sufficient prior experience in education based on simulation.