Research priorities in surgical simulation for the 21st century

Abstract

Background Despite a tremendous growth research in surgical simulation remains uncoordinated and unfocused. The objective of this study was to develop research priorities for surgical simulation. Methods Using a systematic methodology (Delphi), members of the Association for Surgical Education submitted 5 research questions on surgical simulation. An expert review panel categorized and collapsed the submitted questions and redistributed them to the membership to be ranked using a priority scale from 1(lowest) to 5(highest). The results were analyzed and categorized by consensus in distinct topics. Results Sixty members submitted 226 research questions that were reduced to 74. Ratings ranged from 2.19–4.78. Topics included simulation effectiveness and outcomes, performance assessment and credentialing, curriculum development, team training and non-technical skills, simulation center resources and personnel, simulator validation, and other. The highest ranked question was “Does simulation training lead to improved quality of patient care, patient outcomes and safety?” Conclusions Research priorities for surgical simulation were developed using a systematic methodology and can be used to focus surgical simulation research in areas most likely to advance the field.

An overview of research priorities in surgical simulation: what the literature shows has been achieved during the 21st century and what remains

“…Simulation Committee conducted individualized narrative literature reviews for each of the ten most important research priorities identified in the prior Delphi study 4 . An expert panel then collated the results to give a comprehensive overview of the current landscape for each priority.…”

“…As a result, the progress made in the different areas of surgical simulation research is uneven and remains relatively unknown. In order to bring a degree of focus and direction to this important area of research, the Association for Surgical Education (ASE) Simulation Committee applied a systematic approach (i.e., a Delphi process) to identify the most important research priorities in surgical simulation 4 . With this article, the ASE Simulation Committee aims to report on the progress made since the turn of the century in each research priority for surgical simulation and to identify prime areas for ongoing research.…”

Gynecology resident laparoscopy training: present and future

“…An established precedent exists from other surgical specialties such as the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Skills and ACS/APDS Surgical Skills Curriculum, which are both used successfully for credentialing and certification of surgeons. [27][28][29] The authors are not alone in thinking that it would be beneficial to have a standardized laparoscopic skills certification for graduating residents. 3,17 Competency-based education is under development through the ACGME Milestones initiative and the Royal College CanMEDS (Canadian Medical Education Directions for Specialists) 2015.…”

A review of virtual reality based training simulators for orthopaedic surgery

“…Stefanidis et al (2012) state that the future research agenda and priority research questions for simulated surgery needs to define coordinated efforts and clarify common goal and direction [95]. Studies are required to present evidence validating whether or not simulators can improve patient outcomes, transfer to improved clinical performance and competence, leading to increased patient safety.…”