the centre for global surgery
and
the Steinberg Centre for Simulation and Interactive Learning
Innovation Competition 2024
Submission timeline
Registration and Submission closing date: March 13, 2024 (Currently closed)
Finalist Announcement: April 6, 2024 Know the Finalists here!
Model Presentation and Winner Announcement: April 13, 2024
The Innovation Competition 2024
Trauma and disaster preparedness are essential in emergency context to address and manage trauma appropriately and reduce long-term impact on healthcare system. The Trauma and Disaster Team Response© (TDTR©) course was designed by the Centre for Global Surgery – McGill University Health Centre (CGS) to convey appropriate management of trauma including in disaster response contexts. It combines online didactic lectures (available for free on the UN platform) with in-person sessions focusing on multidisciplinary trauma patient care.
The in-person component of the course consists of life-saving skills stations such as: Airway Management, Surgical Airways, Chest Decompression and more. For more information, visit the TDTR page and consider registering for the online course through the UNITAR SURGhub to understand the skill station.
Purpose of the Innovation Competition 2024
Students will create a low-fidelity cost-effective prototype that can be used for simulation-based surgical training in Low-and-Middle-income countries.
Choose ONE option for prototype creation in the competition.
• Option 1: Chest decompression (Thorax)
Design a prototype that will mimic the portion of the thorax to perform a chest decompression and chest tube insertion in simulation.
OR
• Option 2: Cricothyroidotomy (Cricothyroid)
Design a prototype that will mimic the pharynx and the cricothyroid (throat) to perform a cricothyroidotomy and the insertion of a tracheostomy or endotracheal tube.
Who can Participate?
• Teams of 2 or more interdisciplinary trainees. Must provide proof of study enrollment.
• Participation is open to all trainees worldwide.
How to Participate/Submit
To participate in the competition, submit your prototype virtually. Each team is required to submit a PowerPoint presentation and a 5-10-minute (max) video demonstrating the prototype in use.
The PowerPoint presentation should include:
• A list of materials used, stating their budget and total budget in USD equivalent.
• The dimensions (in cm) and weight of the prototype.
• An instruction guide on how to make the prototype.
The video should include the five criteria that should be met depending on the project choice. Please refer to the Grading Criteria section for full information.
prototypes assessment
The prototype will be graded by a multidisciplinary panel of judges, using a rubric which highlights the criteria that must be met.
Final/ Finalists
• Only five (5) finalist teams will be contacted and invited to present their projects virtually -in a short 3-5 min live presentation- during the CGS Global Surgery Conference on April 13. You can now know the finalists here!
• Certificates of participation will be given to all finalists.
Competition Prize
The winning team will be announced at the CGS Global Surgery Conference.
The winning team will be invited to attend the TDTR© virtually and be certified.
Only one team member chosen by the winners will join the in-person TDTR© —where the winning prototype will be used for the skills station simulations.
Travel Grant and Logistics Support:
• A USD$ 3,000 grant will be provided to the winning team’s representative to travel to the in-person TDTR©.
The grant will finance the travel, accommodations and visa fees (if applicable); all costs above USD$3,000 will be at the expense of the participant.
The CGS will manage directly all airfare and accommodation arrangements.
Grading Criteria
There are five (5) essential criteria for the video. These criteria should be included when filming the video of the prototype in use in order for the panel to grade properly.
Applicable Criteria for Each Option
Option 1: Chest Decompression
1. Able to identify the ribs, skin, and muscles (anatomically correct).
2. Able to insert a needle into the skin, over the rib, below the target interspace.
3. Able to listen for a “pop” or feel for a sudden change in resistance.
4. Able to insert and maintain a chest tube.
5. Able to suture on material.
Option 2: Cricothyroidotomy
1. Must identify anatomical landmarks.
2. Cricothyroid membrane is present.
3. Able to perform a transverse incision on the membrane.
4. Able to perform a digital confirmation of the airway entry.
5. Able to place and maintain a tracheostomy or endotracheal tube.
PROTOTYPE GRADING CRITERIA
Ease of assembly: Less than 5 minutes.
Portability-Weight/ dimensions: Less than or equal to 8lbs, within 45cmx 35cm.
Fidelity/ Functionality: Should meet the 5 criteria for the selected procedure (Option 1 or 2).
Materials/ Reproducibility – Cost effective: Materials are easily accessible globally.
Creativity.
** It is important to note that the competition will only require the creation of the anatomical part and its ability to be used in simulation for the chosen procedure. Any other materials required for the procedure such as sutures, blades, endotracheal tubes are not considered part of the prototype.
This project will focus on the materials used and the functionality of the prototype over complexity and appearance. The goal is to be able to assemble this prototype in any setting, with materials that are easily accessible and found globally.
Prototype Ownership and Usage Policy
The winning team will maintain ownership of the intellectual property. The CGS will be granted unlimited, non-exclusive license for use anywhere in the world —free of charge —, for the period of five (5) years.
Entry to the competition denotes agreement of all terms as described above.
Ready to register?
Registration for the Innovation Competition is now closed.
Questions?
If you have any further questions, you can email us at program.manager@cglobalsurgery.com