Supplementary file 1_Preparing surgeons for the modern operating theatre: insights from a national survey on technology use and readiness.xlsx

IntroductionRapid advances in surgical technology require formal training in the use of devices and equipment, yet curricula rarely address technology, equipment, and consumables (TEC) proficiency in a systematic way. This study evaluated current TEC training practices, perceived needs, and barriers among consultant-level surgical educators in Ireland and used these findings to develop a national TEC Toolkit framework rooted in contemporary educational theory.
MethodA national cross-specialty survey was distributed to consultant surgical educators, gathering quantitative ratings and qualitative insights regarding TEC education, barriers to readiness, and preferred educational strategies. The twenty-item survey was mapped to Kern's curriculum development framework and constructivist principles. Responses were analysed descriptively and thematically, and Kruskal–Wallis tests compared ratings across three specialty groupings.
ResultsThirty-three of 39 educators responded (85%). Fifty-six percent reported having witnessed patient safety risks or workflow issues due to trainee unfamiliarity with TEC. A strong majority (over 90%) endorsed simulation-based training, hands-on workshops, and competency assessment as essential components of TEC education. Barriers included limited protected time, inconsistent access to TEC, and lack of curricular integration. Qualitative themes highlighted the need for practical skills development, multidisciplinary simulation, digital resources, and ongoing programme refinement. These priorities informed the proposed TEC Toolkit, which integrates simulation, multimedia modules, and structured assessment.
ConclusionSurgical educators across Ireland overwhelmingly support structured, simulation-driven TEC training as an essential element of modern surgical safety. The proposed TEC Toolkit model offers a practical, evidence-based blueprint to improve TEC literacy and patient safety. Implementing and evaluating this toolkit will help to address current gaps and prepare trainees for the complexities of today's technology-rich operating theatres.

引言：外科技术的快速发展要求从业者接受设备与器械使用的正规培训，但当前外科课程体系极少以系统化方式开展针对技术、设备与耗材（Technology, Equipment and Consumables，以下简称TEC）操作熟练度的教学。本研究评估了爱尔兰地区顾问级外科教育工作者当前的TEC培训实践、认知需求及面临的障碍，并基于上述研究结果，依托当代教育理论构建了国家级TEC工具包（TEC Toolkit）框架。
研究方法：本研究面向顾问级外科教育工作者发放了跨专科全国性调查问卷，收集了关于TEC教育、参训就绪相关障碍以及偏好教育策略的量化评分与质性洞察。本次问卷共包含20个题目，其设计贴合克恩课程开发框架（Kern's curriculum development framework）与建构主义学习原则。研究采用描述性分析与主题分析法对回收数据进行处理，并通过克鲁斯卡尔-沃利斯检验（Kruskal–Wallis tests）对比三个专科分组的评分差异。
研究结果：本次调查共发放问卷39份，回收有效问卷33份，回收率达85%。其中56%的受访者表示曾目睹因受训人员不熟悉TEC导致的患者安全风险或工作流程问题。绝大多数（占比超90%）的受访者认可基于模拟的培训、实操工作坊与能力评估为TEC教育的核心组成部分。调研发现的主要障碍包括缺乏可保障的培训时间、TEC资源获取渠道不稳定以及课程体系整合度不足。质性分析结果凸显了对实操技能培养、多学科模拟培训、数字资源以及持续优化课程项目的迫切需求。上述优先需求为拟推出的TEC工具包提供了设计依据，该工具包整合了模拟培训、多媒体模块与标准化评估。
结论：爱尔兰全境的外科教育工作者普遍支持将结构化、模拟驱动的TEC培训作为现代外科安全的核心要素。拟推出的TEC工具包模型可为提升TEC操作素养与患者安全提供一套切实可行、基于证据的实施方案。对该工具包的落地与评估将有助于填补当前培训体系的空白，帮助受训人员更好地适配如今技术密集型手术室的复杂工作场景。