SIMULATION TRAINING
Simulation in surgical education
Published on
August 10, 2010
Canadian Medical Association Journal
Overview
Simulation has become essential in surgical education, addressing the need for effective training amid reduced resident work hours and ethical patient safety concerns. It provides a safe space for trainees to practice both technical skills and non-technical competencies like communication and teamwork, crucial for surgical success. Various simulation models, from high-fidelity animal and cadaveric setups to synthetic and virtual-reality systems, facilitate skill development and objective assessments, allowing residents to gain foundational skills before facing real clinical situations.
While technical skills are vital, the importance of non-technical skills is increasingly recognized, as lapses in communication can lead to errors in the operating room. Research shows that skills learned through simulation can transfer effectively to actual surgeries. However, there is still a need for a cohesive curriculum that integrates both technical and non-technical training. Further research is required to establish comprehensive frameworks that enhance learning outcomes for surgical trainees.
Results
The study reveals that simulation significantly enhances surgical education by enabling the effective transfer of technical skills learned through low-fidelity benchtop models and high-fidelity virtual-reality systems to real surgical procedures. Trainees using virtual-reality simulators demonstrated improved technical abilities compared to those who received no training, highlighting the utility of simulation as a valuable preparatory tool.
Moreover, the research underscores the importance of non-technical skills, indicating that simulated operating rooms can effectively train areas like communication and teamwork. While various assessment tools exist for both skill sets, further development is needed to integrate these simulation methods into a cohesive curriculum. Overall, the findings affirm that simulation is crucial for surgical training, but more research is required to establish a comprehensive framework that combines technical and non-technical skill development effectively.
