Background

Ward-based care of surgical patients is a complex and variable process, centered on the surgical ward round (WR). The authors describe the development of an evidence-based curriculum to improve ward-based care in the form of surgical WRs.
Methods

A modular, simulation-based curriculum was developed according to validated methods, incorporating the most recent evidence in the design of each educational module.
Results

A predevelopmental analysis questionnaire identified themes of patient assessment and management, communication skills, and teamwork as areas to be addressed. Curricular development incorporated knowledge and confidence assessment, lecture-based teaching, and simulated WR, followed by individualized assessment, debriefing, and feedback. Each module is evidence based and assesses trainees using validated tools.
Conclusions

A comprehensive and cost-effective simulation-based curriculum, developed according to a validated framework, has been developed for surgical WRs and ward-based care. This may improve trainees' WR performance, improving patient care and surgical outcomes in turn.