AUTHOR=Pezel Théo , Bernard Anne , Lavie Badie Yoan , Dreyfus Julien , Audureau Etienne , Bohbot Yohann , Fard Damien , Hubert Arnaud , Nguyen Lee S. , Monteil Cécile , Bière Loïc , Le Ven Florent , Canu Marjorie , Ribeyrolles Sophie , Mion Baptiste , Mouhat Basile , Bazire Baptiste , Fauvel Charles , Ternacle Julien , Cautela Jennifer , Cambet Théo , Le Tourneau Thierry , Donal Erwan , Lafitte Stéphane , Mansencal Nicolas , Coisne Augustin 

TITLE=Rational and Design of the SIMULATOR Study: A Multicentre Randomized Study to Assess the Impact of SIMULation-bAsed Training on Transoesophageal echocardiOgraphy leaRning for Cardiology Residents

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine

VOLUME=8

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cardiovascular-medicine/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2021.661355

DOI=10.3389/fcvm.2021.661355

ISSN=2297-055X

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Introduction:</bold> Simulation-based training in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) seems promising. However, data are limited to non-randomized or single-center studies. To assess the impact of simulation-based vs. traditional teaching on TEE knowledge and performance for medical residents in cardiology.</p><p><bold>Materials and Methods:</bold> Nationwide prospective randomized multicenter study involving 43 centers throughout France allowing for the inclusion of &gt;70% of all French cardiology residents. All cardiology residents naive from TEE will be included. Randomization with stratification by center will allocate residents to either a control group receiving theoretical knowledge by e-learning only, or to an intervention group receiving two simulation-based training sessions on a TEE simulator in addition.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> All residents will undergo both a theoretical test (0–100 points) and a practical test on a TEE simulator (0–100 points) before and 3 months after the training. Satisfaction will be assessed by a 5-points Likert scale. The primary outcomes will be to compare the scores in the final theoretical and practical tests between the two groups, 3 months after the completion of the training.</p><p><bold>Conclusion:</bold> Data regarding simulation-based learning in TEE are limited to non-randomized or single-center studies. The randomized multicenter SIMULATOR study will assess the impact of simulation-based vs. traditional teaching on TEE knowledge and performance for medical residents in cardiology, and whether such an educational program should be proposed in first line for TEE teaching.</p>