Problems identified during teaching sessions, and how they were addressed
| Problem | Intervention | Result | Solved? | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paracentesis model leaking after repeated use (Sawbones) and not very realistic | Made our own ascitic abdomens using bags of normal saline and incontinence pads (single session use only) | Excellent feedback from students: more realistic feel | Yes – problem of realism solved, however, messy and single use only | Purchase of new model (Simulab): much more realistic and able to be used again after one session (multiple use), the longevity yet to be seen |
| Insufficient course capacity: multiple core medical trainees on a waiting list each course | Course combined with other skills sessions to expand total capacity | Absolute numbers of students attending course increased | Partially – pre-course demand still exceeded capacity | Reduce participants failing to attend on the day to optimise use of capacity |
| Numerous core medical trainees failed to attend on the day | Used Eventbrite, a sign-up site familiar to trainees used by the LETB | Attendance still suboptimal but has slowly improved over time | No | Consider a monetary deposit, to be returned upon attendance |
LETB = local education and training board.