Whether due to time away from direct patient care, addressing concerns about technical skills, or simply to practice procedures that are not routinely encountered, and many physicians struggle to find a way in which they can demonstrate surgical skill proficiency.

Clinical Competence Solutions (CCS) has received queries from surgeons in need of a technical skills enhancement program. While our experience has found that it is difficult to identify a healthcare facility willing to give privileges to a physician for this purpose, identification of a surgical simulation center that understands and is able to take on the task of retraining a practicing physician is equally challenging. Access to surgical simulators is frequently the only way that a practitioner can demonstrate improvement. 

Clinical Competence Solutions helps secure training venues that allow a physician to address concerns about technical skill competence. Use of surgical simulators gives physicians an opportunity to demonstrate technical proficiency; in some cases, the surgeon can obtain certification verifying improved technical skills. Surgeons complete the simulation experience in the presence of trained educators.

Depending on the issue, surgeons may require a two-fold solution that includes use of simulation. A structured Applied Education Program with physician oversight and guidance lets the surgeon address concerns that may not be related to technical proficiency. Within that context, the surgeon can practice and improve specific procedural skills at a simulation center.

Physicians providing direct patient care after an extended absence from practice can demonstrate that their clinical practice and technical skills are current by completing the Return to Practice Program. Some physicians may only need to address their surgical skills; in these cases, Clinical Competence Solutions can work with simulation centers to arrange an individualized program that is specific to those needs. 

Demonstrating technical skills proficiency through a surgical simulation program gives surgeons a way to improve their skills when observation of actual patient care is not possible due to privileging issues. It provides hospitals with additional information about the surgeon’s technical aptitude that may not be available via proctoring or other oversight. The nature of the simulation center environment provides an objective and neutral environment in which to address concerns.