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The role of simulation in developing surgical skills

  • Resident Education (P Achan, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Surgical training has followed the master-apprentice model for centuries but is currently undergoing a paradigm shift. The traditional model is inefficient with no guarantee of case mix, quality, or quantity. There is a growing focus on competency-based medical education in response to restrictions on doctors’ working hours and the traditional mantra of “see one, do one, teach one” is being increasingly questioned. The medical profession is subject to more scrutiny than ever before and is facing mounting financial, clinical, and political pressures. Simulation may be a means of addressing these challenges. It provides a way for trainees to practice technical tasks in a protected environment without putting patients at risk and helps to shorten the learning curve. The evidence for simulation-based training in orthopedic surgery using synthetic models, cadavers, and virtual reality simulators is constantly developing, though further work is needed to ensure the transfer of skills to the operating theatre.

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K. S. N. Akhtar, N. J. Standfield, and C. M. Gupte declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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  1. Orthopaedic Surgery, Msk lab, Imperial College, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith, London, W6 8RP, UK

    K. S. N. Akhtar, Alvin Chen, N. J. Standfield & C. M. Gupte

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Akhtar, K.S.N., Chen, A., Standfield, N.J. et al. The role of simulation in developing surgical skills. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 7, 155–160 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-014-9209-z

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