Page 11 - Prospectus of MS in Minimal Access Surgery

COURSE MODULE

(Module 1: Research Method)

Content Quantitative and Qualitative Research Strategies. The Scientific Method. Qualitative

methodologies with medical examples. Basic statistics and strategies for analysing data.
Appraising the literature. Research ethics. Use of databases and spreadsheets, graphical
presentations. Scientific presentations. Writing scientific papers or a thesis.

OBJECTIVE :

On completion of this module the student should be:
• Aware of the important of the surgeon as investigator, the evolution of surgical science, its diversity &
the role of dialogue in scientific progress.
• Able to find and appraise new information using library and computer based systems
• Able to critically assess a surgical paper
• Have experience of different ways of storing and sorting information
• Understand the variety of research methodologies used in surgery, their strengths and weaknesses
• Able to formulate a research question and choose an appropriate method to answer this question
• Understand and be able to apply basic statistical methods
• Understanding the power of studies and what conclusions can be justified on the evidence presented
• Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical consideration of scientific, and in particular, surgical
research
• Appreciate the responsibilities of the researcher, what is misconduct, how misconduct effects the
validity of knowledge.
• Understand the issues surrounding authorship and peer review
• Understand the format and requirements for writing a scientific paper
• Demonstrate competence in preparing for and giving an oral presentation of surgical topics and data
• Able to produce visual aids (e.g. Powerpoint, 35mm slides, video) to an acceptable standard for
international presentation.
• Aware of the importance of time management, the use of deadlines, budgeting and how to interact with a
supervisor.

(MODULE 2: SAFETY)

Content The nature and estimation of risk. Human performance and perception of risk. Assessing risk
and minimising risk. Error rates. The 'incident pit'. Health and Safety. First time accuracy.
Informed consent. Appropriate responses when problems or complaints occur.
Communications. Negligence. The impact of co-workers.

OBJECTIVE :

On completion of this module the student should be able to:
• Assess risk and communicate this assessment
• Design systems to minimise hazards
• Understand the impact of human psychology on risk perception, precaution taking etc.