Set up and maintenance

The microsurgery laboratory and programme is developed as a cost effective, self-sufficient microsurgical simulation training system to enable trainees to develop skills in a safe environment with minimal burden. The stepwise training programme allows objective assessment using validated laboratory-based tasks for comparison with peers and assessment by trainers and works in conjunction to clinical practice. Outlined are the cost, organization and proposed maintenance of the system. These are subject to changes and modification after discussion.For the system to be effective it needs to be integrated into the training system  as which has happened and St Thomas’ Hospital, Imperial NHS Trust and the Royal Free Hospital.

Location
This is the most essential aspect of the system. The Microlab is to be accessible at all free periods and in the vicinity of regular offices. This ensures trainees use the laboratory and get maximum benefit whenever they have spare hour or 30 mins in between case or AM and PM commitments. The system is flexible catering for the shift system of doctors and is not and should not be a limited pre booked programme available to a few over a given time. It is designed to work in conjunction with normal clinical practice.
Suggestion – Registrar/ Junior doctors office

Set up cost estimate
Equipment
Cost
Number/ sets required per unit
Cost per unit
Microscope x1
(St Andrews Ideally needs 2 microscopes but there is already 1 microscope functioning)
£1,600 (Brunnel Microscope comes with a camera)
1 minimum
£1600
Camera and Tripod x 1
£150 (not required if  Brunel microscope)
1
£150
Fridge
£150
1
£150
Equipment Shelves
£30
1
£30
Desks and Chairs
Provided without charge


Hard drive
£60
1
£60
Instruction posters
£50
1
£50
All training models
£40
1
£40
Total


£2,080

Maintenance cost
Cost per candidate to complete the programme with consumables:

Equipment
Cost per item
Estimated requirement per candidate to complete course

Sutures
£4 suture
24
£96
Gloves
£5 per box
1
£5
Instruments (1 set = needle holder, jewelers forceps, dilators, curved and straight scissors)
£40

1
£40
TOTAL PER CANDIDATE COMPLETING THE COURSE


£141


After significant research we have sourced the most cost effective instrument and sutures. From experience we have found asking for a small cost for the instruments, which trainees can keep, and paying for sutures ensures they are efficient and are able to maintain there own instruments but you can decide cost internally.

For sutures and instrument purchase please contact Ali Bahsoun email infor@steth2scalpel.com

For Brunel Microscopes please contact mail@brunelmicroscopes.co.uk
This cost can also be claimed back as study leave as it is the cost for completing a course.
Faculty and Rota requirement
CONSULTANT LEAD- required to ensure the system is maintained and for video assessment at the beginning and the end of course.
TRAINEE LEAD- Trainee ensures the system us running and co-ordinates the practical sessions on the rota. Also ensures the models are maintained and remade if required. The trainee lead can also practice themselves and asssess videos. The trainee lead / consultant gives an induction talk to explain the program and basics of micro at the departmental induction or another appropriate time.
Suggestion – Microfellow/ clinical fellow/ senior trainee
ROTA- Each trainee is rotad into the laboratory half an afternoon a week so there needs to be co-ordination with the rotad coordinator apart from the first session. The first few weeks are self-directed. When trainees reach week 4-5 a senior fellow or consultant is coordinated into the rotad afternoon.