Nov. 9, 2021, 6 p.m.

Meeting place

Virtual

Facilitator

Chris Tople, LLCC Surgical Technology Program Director

Attendees

Members in attendance

Chris Tople, AAS, CST, LLCC Surgical Technology Program Director; Casandra Medina-Troxell, AAS, CST, LLCC Surgical Technology; Cynthia Maskey, Ph.D., RN, LLCC Dean of Health Professions; Bryan Goers, LLCC Admissions and Registration Services Representative; Vern Lindquist, Ph.D., LLCC Vice President of Academic Services; Micaela Childress, LLCC Health Professions Student Success Coach; Gordon Allan, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon; Bradley Schwartz: DO, Urology surgeon; Brianne Schramm, BSN, RN, MMC, Director of Perioperative Services; Deborah Antonacci, BSN, RN, MMC, Main OR Manager; Charish Gibson, BSN, RN, SJH, Main OR Manager

Members absent

Ashlee Lore, AAS, CST, Program graduate; Cindy Kropid, Health and Wellness Director, Springfield YMCA; Petra Bond, CST/ CSFA, St. John’s Hospital; Matt Wilson, RN, CVOR nurse manager, St. John’s Hospital; Gwen Kersey, AAS, CST, Program Graduate; Karen Sanders, LLCC, Executive Director LLCC Foundation; Alyssa Lewis, current LLCC students

Guests

N/A

Agenda

1. Welcome/introductions
2. Program updates
3. Accreditation
4. Assessment - program goals and learning outcomes
5. Assessment - program resources
6. Assessment - program outcomes
7. Faculty update
8. Student update
9. Central Sterile Service Technician
10. Closing/questions

Minutes

1. Welcome and introductions

Chris extended a welcome and thanked the committee members for attending.  Everyone introduced themselves and what their role was on the program advisory committee.

2. Program updates

Chris provided the committee with updates that have occurred since the last meeting. The program will graduate 5 students in May 2022. The 5 students in the current cohort are in their fourth semester of the program and the second semester of their clinical rotation. There are 4 students placed at Memorial Medical Center and 2 students are at St. John’s Hospital.  The students will be taking their national certification exam here on campus in May 2022.

3. Accreditation

At the last review, Janice indicated the program was in the process of transitioning from initial accreditation to continuing accreditation.  The Commission on Accreditation, Accreditation Review Council on Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA) reviewed the program at its BOD meeting in March 2017 and forwarded their recommendation on to the accreditor, Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, who awarded the program continuing accreditation for 10 years, May 2027.  At or around the 10-year mark, an onsite evaluation will be conducted to ensure the program continues to be compliant with the accreditation Standards.

• Chris stated that there have been no changes to the accreditation of the program.

There were no areas of concern noted but, the program will still submit annual reports as required for all surgical technology programs.

4. Assessment - program goals and learning outcomes

Chris explained to the committee the accreditation standards regarding goals and learning outcomes and how the committee is responsible for annually assessing the goals, resources, and outcomes of the program. Chris provided the committee with the program’s current goals and learning outcomes for review.

As the goals and learning domains were revised in 2016 and implemented the committee determined those are still applicable and no change is necessary.

LLCC Surgical Technology Program review of program goals, resources and outcomes by Program Advisory Committee, November 2021

The program must have the following goal defining minimum expectations: 

To prepare competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

Surgical Technology goals (mission) statement

The mission of the Surgical Technology Program at Lincoln Land Community College is to provide an educational program that prepares competent entry-level surgical technologists in the didactic knowledge, psychomotor skills, and affective behaviors necessary to serve the patients and employers within the district’s health care facilities and to function as a professional member of the healthcare team.

To fulfill this mission, the Surgical Technology program will:

1. Encourage communication between faculty and students throughout the program.
2. Prepare students with quality educational experiences to apply critical thinking skills to clinical scenarios.
3. Support students in the development of goals for life-long learning and participation in the profession.
4. Provide employers with graduates prepared for employment.

Program outcomes/learning objectives

1. Differentiate how the surgical environment fits within the complexity of the health care system.
2. Apply human physiology and surgical anatomy in the perioperative role of the surgical technologist including applying medical terminology fluently.
3. Evaluate and utilize the principles and concepts of pharmacology in the performance of the role of the surgical technologist.
4. Analyze the theoretical foundations and exhibit practical proficiency in surgical aseptic technique and surgical procedures.
5. Provide safe, holistic patient care.
6. Utilize therapeutic communication and organizational skills to provide a leadership role in a surgical environment.
7. Demonstrate the behavior of a professional member of the healthcare team.
8. Perform as a competent entry-level surgical technologist.

Program resource assessment

Outcome	Accreditation benchmark criteria	How program is meeting the benchmark
Resources: Finances/Budget	Sufficient financial resources available for maximum enrollment capacity	A yearly budget is developed jointly with the Program Director and Dean.  The budget includes staff salaries and benefits, instructional supplies, and accreditation expenses.  The budget is adjusted according to program needs and college resources.
Resources: Classroom and classroom equipment	The area is conducive to learning with appropriate equipment and space	Classroom space allows for seating of 16 students and contains an instructor’s station to include a computer with a projection screen and DVD player, a large whiteboard, and an Elmo for enhanced teaching capabilities.  We have rearranged the classroom into a horseshoe-shaped configuration to better facilitate an active learning environment.
Resources: Office Space	Adequate space for program development, student counseling, communication, and securing files	The program director and faculty each have an office with adequate space to conduct program duties.
Resources: Student/faculty computer resources	Enough resources for maximum enrollment capacity and supports teaching methodologies	The program director and faculty each have a computer with appropriate software located within their office and students have access to computer resources in the library, computer flex center, and at regional centers.
Resources: instructional reference materials/library resources and materials	Enough access and support of teaching methodologies	The program has numerous anatomical models used for teaching and reference materials located in the classroom, program director’s office, and the faculty office for student use. The library has several materials on reserve for surgical technology students and has extensive holdings of other resource materials for student assistance.  The library works with the program director to increase the number of resources related to surgical technology as needed.  A subscription to the JOMI, a professional surgical teaching video website, has been added to instruction, with the addition of Softchalk online modules
Resources: lab facilities, equipment, instrumentation and supplies	Sufficient to allow a 12:1 student ratio per lab section and allows students to actively engage in learning	The lab has equipment, instrumentation, equipment, and supplies sufficient for an 8:1 student ratio per lab section. Supplies are reordered as needed. Gowns and unused supplies have also been donated by several of the clinical affiliates. A new OR table, sliding storage system, two heavyweight mannequins, and suction system have been purchased A request for new rigid containers, extra laparotomy sets, and an endoscope has been submitted through a WEI grant
Resources: ancillary student facilities	Lounges, refreshment area, parking, etc. sufficient to maximum enrollment capacity	The college has refreshment areas and lounges for student use within each building on campus and parking is sufficient for student enrollment. A new microwave for student use has been provided after the old one went missing during construction.
Resources: clerical and support staff	Clerical and support personnel sufficient to achieve program goals	An administrative assistant is available to the program and 1 practicing CST aides the students at St. Johns with clinical experiences. Nichole’s certification is current until 12/16/2022 A job position is open for a CST at MHS.No applications have been submitted
Resources: professional development program director – teaching and ST specific	NBSTSA CST certification current; will complete at least 15 CE’s each year at Instructor’s Forum, Instructor’s Workshop, Conference, State Assembly workshops, or journal articles Teaching specific professional development opportunities supported by funding within the institutional or program budget	The program director’s certification is current until November 2022 the program director also plans to attend the ARC/STSA educators conference in February. CEU’s are up to date The program director attends Institutional Professional Development Day twice a year.
Resources: professional development faculty – teaching and ST specific	NBSTSA CST certification current; will complete at least 15 CE’s each year at Instructor’s Forum, Instructor’s Workshop, Conference, State Assembly workshops or journal articles Teaching specific professional development opportunities supported by funding within the institutional or program budget	Faculty certification expires on February 11th of next year. AST CE CREDITS: 67.5 Springfield Memorial Hospital (New Name of MMC): 111 Total CBL Completions 60 Hours Faculty attends the college’s Professional Development days that are offered twice a year.
Resources: clinical affiliation sites/slots	Enrollment for each clinical semester = number of slots under contract and indications	There are six students in the second-year cohort and six students in the first-year cohort
Resources: program curriculum	The curriculum must ensure achievement of program goals and learning domains and includes all curriculum content requirements defined in the 6th edition of the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology	The program meets and exceeds the requirements of the core curriculum.
Resources: clinical case requirement	The program must publish clinical case requirements for successful completion as defined by the core curriculum and meet the criteria for each classification	Clinical case requirements are published in the student handbook, course syllabi, and program brochure.  The student’s clinical logs are continually evaluated by the program director to ensure all criteria are being met by the students. 2020 graduates exceeded the minimum requirements for program completion
Resources: sufficient faculty appointed	Sponsor must appoint sufficient faculty and staff with the necessary qualifications to perform the functions identified in documented job descriptions and to achieve the program’s stated goals and outcomes	The program currently utilizes the program director and full-time faculty member to teach courses. One clinical site assistant works with the students at SJH, we have an opening for the position at MHS, but have not received any applications. Currently, this is being covered by faculty on Wednesday and the director on Thursday and Friday.  The program currently has sufficient faculty appointed to the program although an adjunct would be beneficial especially in the summer and fall semesters to assist with clinical visits.

Program outcome assessment

Outcome	Accreditation benchmark criteria	How program is meeting the benchmark	PAC recommendations or changes
Outcome: retention	The threshold for retention is 70% The threshold for retention for students who began the program prior to August 1, 2015, is 70%.  The threshold for retention for students who began the program after August 2015 is 60%.	2020 graduating class retention was 38% The program does not meet the threshold for retention	During discussions on recruiting and retention, Dr. Schwartz suggested a surgical recruitment video involving surgeons, students and staff in an actual operating room. PD will be contacting PRM to set up.
Outcome: Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam – participation rate	100% of students will participate in the exam	100% of the 2020 graduating class participated in the exam.	N/A
Outcome:  Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam – pass rate	70% passing on the 1st attempt	100% of the 2020 cohort passed the exam on the 1st attempt.	N/A
Outcome: graduate placement	80% placement by employment or continuing education in a health-related field	Graduate placement surveys indicate a placement rate of 100%.	N/A
Outcome: employer survey return rate	50% of surveys returned Surveys may be administered immediately upon hire of the graduate	Six employer surveys were distributed in January of 2020 three returned 50% return rate meets standard	N/A
Outcome: employer survey – satisfaction rate	70% of surveys returned indicate satisfactory rating – 7 out of 10 areas rated 3 or higher on a 5-point Likert scale	Employer surveys indicated 10 out of 10 areas were rated 3 or higher on a 5-point Likert scale for an employer satisfaction rate of 100%	N/A
Outcome: graduate survey return rate	At least 50% of surveys returned The survey can be administered immediately upon graduation	Six surveys were distributed, six were returned 100% return meets the standard	N/A
Outcome: graduate survey satisfaction rate	70% of surveys returned indicate satisfactory rating – 7 of 10 areas rated 3 or higher on the 5 points Likert scale	Graduate surveys indicated 10 out of 10 areas were rated 3 or higher on a 5-point Likert scale for a graduate satisfaction rate of 100%	N/A

5. Assessment - program resources

Chris explained that the committee must assess all the program’s resources and they must be sufficient to ensure achievement of the program’s goals and adequate based on the program’s maximum enrollment capacity of 16 students.  Chris highlighted a couple of resources as they have been updated since the last review:

• A new OR table was purchased to allow two groups of students to work simultaneously
• Two heavyweight manikins were purchased
• A portable suction system was purchased
• A request for new rigid containers, extra laparotomy sets, and an endoscope has been submitted through a WEI grant
• A new microwave for student use has been provided as the old one went missing during construction
• Clerical and Support Staff – A job position for a Clinical Site Assistant for MMC is posted. No applications have been received
• Professional Development Program Director – Chris’s certification is current until November 2022 and is currently in CEUs. Chris also attended the state AST conference and the ARC/STSA conference this year as well as campus Institutional development days
• Professional Development Faculty – Casandra’s certification is good through February 2022. Casandra currently has 22 CEU’s which were earned through AST and IL state assembly. She is starting a per diem position at MMC on May 20, 2019. Casandra attends the college’s Professional Development days that are offered twice a year.

The committee reviewed all program resources and determining resources are sufficient for maximum enrollment capacity.

6. Program outcomes

Chris provided the committee with a list of program outcomes that must be assessed to include retention, graduate placement, certification participation, pass rates, employer survey returns rate and satisfaction, and graduate survey return rate and satisfaction.  The committee must assess these outcomes and the program must demonstrate its ability to meet its stated goals.

• Retention for the December 2020 graduates was 38% which is below the benchmark of 60%.
• Chris asked for suggestions for increasing retention, dr. Schwartz suggested creating a surgical video to help with recruiting and retention.
• Chris stated that out of the 6 graduate surveys sent to the 2020 graduates, all were returned. Chris administers the surveys when the students come in to take their certification exam, this will ensure a 100% return rate.
• Six employer satisfaction surveys were sent out in January 2020, 3 were returned. The benchmark for returned surveys is 50%. Benchmark met.
• The employer satisfaction surveys showed that the facilities feel that the students are well prepared for their jobs as entry-level surgical technologists. This survey covers basic sciences, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative concepts; as well as psychomotor skills, aseptic technique, work ethic, interpersonal skills, adaptive behaviors, and overall satisfaction. The average survey satisfaction score is 4.2/5. The benchmark for this standard is 70% of the surveys showing a satisfactory rating of 7/10 areas rated at 3 or higher on a 5-point Likert scale. The survey results showed that 75% of the surveys had a satisfactory rating of 7/10 areas rated at 3 or higher on a 5-point Likert scale.
• 6/6 graduates were placed in jobs after graduation in December 2019. The benchmark for this area is 80%. This standard was met with 100% graduate job placement.
• 6/6 students of the 2019 cohort participated in taking the national certification exam to become Certified Surgical Technologists. The benchmark for this standard is 100% graduate participation. This standard was met with 100% participation from the graduates.
• Of the six graduates that took the certification exam in December 2019 all of them passed on their first attempt. The benchmark for this area is a 70% pass rate on the first attempt. This standard was met with a 100% pass rate.

The committee reviewed all program outcomes and determined nearly all outcomes are meeting the benchmarks and retention will continue to be addressed.

7. Faculty update

Casandra provided the committee with an update on student progress in lectures and clinical.  She indicates the students are currently in the second semester of their clinical rotation with only 2 weeks left in the semester. She said the current class is doing phenomenal and are on track for completing the program at the end of May.  Casandra stated she has been making modifications to the way she taught the course last year as it was her first year and has found better ways to teach the material to the students.  The students continue to struggle with retaining their knowledge of medical terminology and Casandra is concerned about the students understanding future coursework as she expects they already have the medical terminology knowledge.  This has been an ongoing issue. Casandra has implemented additional tests and quizzes on medical terminology to help reinforce this knowledge.

8. Student update

Unable to attend.

9. Central Sterile Service Technician

No new information to report.

10. Closing/questions

Chris thanked the committee members for attending and the meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.