Development of an evidence-based curriculum for training of ward-based surgical care

BackgroundWard-based care of surgical patients is a complex and variable process, centered on the surgical ward round (WR). The authors describe the development of an evidence-based curriculum to improve ward-based care in the form of surgical WRs.MethodsA modular, simulation-based curriculum was developed according to validated methods, incorporating the most recent evidence in the design of each educational module.ResultsA predevelopmental analysis questionnaire identified themes of patient assessment and management, communication skills, and teamwork as areas to be addressed. Curricular development incorporated knowledge and confidence assessment, lecture-based teaching, and simulated WR, followed by individualized assessment, debriefing, and feedback. Each module is evidence based and assesses trainees using validated tools.ConclusionsA comprehensive and cost-effective simulation-based curriculum, developed according to a validated framework, has been developed for surgical WRs and ward-based care. This may improve trainees' WR performance, improving patient care and surgical outcomes in turn.