Commentary: Are 10,000 hours really the key to adult learning? Perhaps not

Qimeng Gao, MD, and Matthew G. Hartwig, MD

Central Message.

A significant reduction in operative volume during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted surgical training. Simulation could be used to maintain and further develop procedure skills even in advanced learners.

See Article page 679.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly impacted postgraduate training globally, especially in procedure-based surgical specialties.1, 2, 3, 4 This is reflected as a significant reduction in case volumes. In a survey conducted by the Thoracic Surgery Resident's Association, more than 50% trainees reported at least a 50% reduction of their case volumes since the beginning of the pandemic, and 25% believed that their operative experience had essentially been eliminated.⁵

Simulation has long been recognized as an integral part of surgical education, especially for entry-level and junior trainees.^6,7 With such a dramatic reduction in operative volume during the COVID-19 pandemic, simulation could potentially fill the gap and expand educational opportunities in procedures skills while maintaining social-distancing protocols.8, 9, 10, 11

In this issue of the Journal, Chan and colleagues¹² described a simple, low-fidelity vascular anastomosis model to simulate left atrial and pulmonary artery cuffs during lung transplantation, in combination with individual video coaching and virtual skills teaching sessions. This study is unique in that it targeted only advanced learners. All trainees included have completed at least 7 years of surgical training and performed/assisted more than 25 cases of lung transplant. Traditionally, simulations are designed to highlight the essential steps and familiarize learners with instruments. In this case, the curriculum focused on advanced surgical techniques, efficiency, and economy of motion. In addition, the model can be modified to simulate specific challenging scenarios, such as a short cuff or a deep chest. After spending an average of 5 hours practicing on the model within a 3-month period, most reported an increased confidence in performing a lung transplant. Upon resumption of clinical activities, warm ischemic time, which was used as a rough proxy to anastomosis time, was equivalent compared with that before the lockdown period. Interestingly, the study subject that spent the most amount of time with the curriculum actually had a statistically significant decrease in warm ischemic time.

Despite the limitation on sample size and risk of internal bias, the study demonstrated a potential role of simulation among the advanced learners. It is important to recognize a shift in learning objectives when it comes to advanced learners. Unlike for junior residents, for whom simulation tends to be proficiency based, simulation for advanced learners aims at fine-tuning advanced skills through self-practice, group practice, and feedback from peers/staff surgeons. The model does not necessarily have to recreate the operating room, as advanced learners have encountered it before. To these learners, the simulation platform instead provides a safe environment to try out a new technique and to optimize efficiency.

Ultimately, the proposed virtual curriculum can also be expanded beyond the COVID-19 era. Trainees taking time out of training could maintain and develop surgical skills through simulation, and trainees in programs in which there is a shortage of complex procedures could benefit from simulation on certain specific skills.