As a patient, but also as a consultant with trainees, the last thing we want to think about is a doctor's inexperience while performing medical procedures. Unfortunately, bronchoscopy is one such procedure that demands precision and expertise, making it a challenging task for doctors in training. But here's a niche concept and term that can help: deliberate practice. Deliberate practice can help doctors hone their skills and become experts in bronchoscopy.
So, what is deliberate practice, and why is it important?
Deliberate practice is the act of consciously and systematically practicing specific skills to improve performance. In the case of bronchoscopy, deliberate practice involves identifying the specific tasks involved in the procedure and practicing each task repeatedly until it is executed flawlessly. It is not just about mindlessly repeating the same task but identifying areas for improvement and working on them. It helps to break down the complex process of bronchoscopy into smaller tasks, which can be practiced and improved upon, leading to an overall improvement in the procedure.
Who else is doing it?
Deliberate practice is not a new concept and has been adopted by several fields, including sports and music. Top athletes and musicians practice specific skills repeatedly to improve their performance, and the same can be applied to doctors in training. In fact, several medical schools and training programs have already incorporated deliberate practice into their curriculum to improve their students' skills.
Why does the task have to be well defined?
When it comes to deliberate practice, having a well-defined task is essential. It helps to focus on specific areas for improvement and track progress. In the case of bronchoscopy, the procedure involves several steps, and each step can be broken down into smaller tasks. For example, inserting the bronchoscope into the airway is a crucial step, and practicing the various techniques involved in the process can help improve the overall success rate of the procedure.
How can you improve?
Improvement in deliberate practice comes from focused repetition, feedback, and analysis. Doctors in training can identify areas for improvement and practice them repeatedly until they achieve mastery. Additionally, seeking feedback from experienced professionals can help identify areas for improvement and guide the learning process. It is essential to analyse the performance and track progress to ensure continuous improvement.
What type of feedback is necessary?
Feedback is an integral part of deliberate practice. In the case of bronchoscopy, feedback can come from experienced doctors, mentors, and even patients. Feedback should be specific, constructive, and actionable. It should identify areas for improvement and provide guidance on how to improve. Feedback should also be given in a timely manner, enabling doctors in training to make changes and apply them to their next practice session.
Training without the instructor touching the instruments or the patient, just through coaching.
Traditionally, medical training involved an apprenticeship model, where trainees would work alongside experienced doctors to learn their craft. However, with the advent of technology, simulation-based training has become an essential part of medical education. This involves using virtual and physical models to simulate real-life scenarios, allowing doctors in training to practice without touching the instruments or the patient.
Coaching is a critical component of this type of training. Instructors can guide doctors in training through each step of the procedure, providing feedback and suggestions for improvement. Coaching can be done remotely, allowing for flexibility and scalability. It also allows doctors in training to practice in a safe and controlled environment without the risk of harming a patient.
In conclusion, deliberate practice is essential for doctors in training to become experts in bronchoscopy. It involves breaking down the complex process into smaller tasks and practicing each task repeatedly until it is executed flawlessly. Feedback, analysis, and coaching are critical components of deliberate practice, enabling doctors in training to identify areas for improvement and track their progress. Incorporating deliberate practice into medical education can lead to better patient outcomes and improve the overall quality of healthcare.
So, why not use the Medical Simulators Database that we have put together here to find and book your next deliberate practice session?
Tudor Toma, FRCP, PhD, London