title: Objective assessment of surgical dexterity using simulators.
abstract: Surgical skill, like training for any craft, has traditionally been learnt as an apprenticeship. However, whereas carpenters learn on wood that is never displayed, operative training is done on real clinical cases. Over recent years surgical skills training laboratories have in part, replaced the apprenticeship. This article discusses some of the tools used within such laboratories to ensure optimal surgical performance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Academic Surgery, Imperial College School of Medicine at St Mary's, St Mary's Hospital, London.
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Torkington
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Darzi
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories; D006113:United Kingdom