Gynaecological laparoscopy courses in the United Arab Emirates

HM Elbiss, S George, I Sidky, FM Abu-Zidan

Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic surgery is important for gynaecological practice and became the method of choice for many gynaecological procedures having advantages over open surgery.

Objective: To report our modified teaching methods, and evaluation of the gynaecological laparoscopy courses in United Arab Emirates.

Methods: Fifty five participants attended four 3-full day comprehensive hands-on gynaecological laparoscopic skills courses. Non-expensive dry/wet models have been developed for teaching. All participants were evaluated at the end of the course through MCQs and practical laparoscopic exercises. All participants filled out a questionnaire reflecting their opinion on various aspects of the course at its completion. Ethical approval has been received by Research and Ethics Committee of Al Ain Medical District, Al-Ain, UAE.

Results: Fourteen participants had no laparoscopic experience, 35 had experience at level I and six had experience at level II. There was a statistically significant difference of the MCQ mark between the three levels of experience (p = 0.05, Kruskal Wallis test) but not for the practical part, p = 0.9, Kruskal Wallis test). The courses were highly valued having an overall average rating of 3.8 out of 4.

Conclusions: A multimodality non expensive course for teaching gynaecological laparoscopy was highly successful in United Arab Emirates. Models used may be useful for training gynaecological laparoscopy in developing countries. The long term effects of our courses on clinical practice have yet to be evaluated.

Key words: gynaecological laparoscopy, skills, training, assessment