Sample educational program for laparoscopic inguinal hernia operations

Competency-based education (CBE) has recently gained importance in medical education. Entrustable Professional Activities is one such approach. Developments in science and technology being reflected in medical education resulted in minimally invasive surgical techniques (MIST) to become widespread in general surgery. Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) is an MIST. LIHR is not applied sufficiently worldwide and in our country, thus; program options are recommended for surgeons to practice LIHR, and standardization and guidance studies continue. This study aims to create a CBE program for LIHR. To determine the current practice, training activities and expectations related to LIHR by consulting the opinions of General Surgery Specialists (GSS), General Surgery trainers(GST) and General Surgery Residents (GSR), data collection tools were created for each group and shared with the participants via the internet, between April 30, 2021 and August 1, 2021. A competency-based, original LIHR training program draft was developed, considering the needs determined by the analysis of the obtained data, the relevant literature, and stakeholder views. 60 GSSs, 32 GSTs and 34 GSRs completed the survey. The analyses revealed that majority of the institutions providing specialty training do not offer LIHR training, and none of the institutions offering LIHR training has a structured program. GSSs in the field suffer from deficiencies and problems regarding LIHR. The most common suggestion by the participants was the creation and use of a structured training program supported by rigorous assessment and evaluation methods. To eliminate the problems, deficiencies in training and practice, and to fulfill the participant's suggestions, a detailed and ready-to-use specialized LIHR training program that will meet the need for a competency-based, well-structured LIHR program and contribute to the future plans of educators and institutions was created.