Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) Program
In 2005 the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons entered into discussions with the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), the American College of Surgeons (ACS), and the Queensland Skills Development Centre (QSDC) to introduce the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) program into Australia and New Zealand, thereby establishing the first testing centres outside of the USA.
Developed by SAGES in association with the ACS, the FLS program has been validated as a means to train and assess the physiology, fundamental knowledge and technical skills of basic laparoscopic surgery. FLS is a comprehensive, web-based (until recently the program was CD based) self-directed education module that includes a hands-on skills training component and assessment tool. The website study guides cover clinical theory, interactive patient scenarios and manual skills training
The Board in General Surgery has mandated the FLS program for trainees by the end of SET3 as it recognises the educational value it would bring to the General Surgery Training Program.
The QSDC is responsible for establishing FLS test centres and disseminating the learning materials to registrants. In collaboration with GSA, access to test centres will be made available to all SET3 trainees to enable them to complete FLS. Please visit the QSDC website at www.sdc.qld.edu.au for information on:
- Registration
- Location of FLS trainer boxes
- Venues and dates for testing
- FLS Manual Skills Written Instructions and Performance Guidelines
-
FLS Technical Skills Proficiency-Based Training Curriculum
For further information contact:
Graham Perry-Haines
Queensland Skills Development Centre
Tel: +61 7 3636 6500
Email:
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Simulated Surgical Skills Program (SSSP)
The Simulated Surgical Skills Program (SSSP) is a national study involving research into the use of laparoscopic surgical simulators as a method to effectively educate and maintain operative skills in surgical trainees. In Victoria, the effect of fatigue on laparoscopic skill levels is also being assessed. The SSSP is recruiting Melbourne-based participants (Fellows, Trainees and Interns) at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, 250 – 290 Spring Street, East Melbourne until August 2010.
Participants are randomised to either:
(a) A Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) low fidelity simulator or
(b) A high fidelity virtual reality simulator (LapSim).
Commitment to the SSSP requires, on average, approximately 8 - 10 hours of practise time in 1 to 2 hour sessions conducted in the Skills and Education Centre. Participants are required to participate in a fatigue testing component once proficiency has been achieved.
Participation in the SSSP has the benefit of potentially enhancing the trainee’s laparoscopic surgical skills in a safe environment through access to state of the art surgical simulation, whilst aiding the College to address important curriculum and workforce issues.
For further information contact
Jo Werda
Victorian SSSP Site Manager
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Tel: +61 3 9249 1143
Email:
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