title: Framework for incorporating simulation into urology training.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  • Changes to working hours, new technologies and increased accountability have rendered the need for alternative training environments for urologists. • Simulation offers a promising arena for learning to take place in a safe, realistic setting. • Despite its benefits, the incorporation of simulation into urological training programmes remains minimal. • The current status and future directions of simulation for training in technical and non-technical skills are reviewed as they pertain to urology. • A framework is presented for how simulation-based training could be incorporated into the entire urological curriculum.
  
  
  METHODS
  • The literature on simulation in technical and non-technical skills training is reviewed, with a specific focus upon urology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  • To fully integrate simulation into a training curriculum, its possibilities for addressing all the competencies required by a urologist must be realized. • At an early stage of training, simulation has been used to develop basic technical skills and cognitive skills, such as decision-making and communication. • At an intermediate stage, the studies focus upon more advanced technical skills learnt with virtual reality simulators. • Non-technical skills training would include leadership and could be delivered with in situ models. • At the final stage, experienced trainees can practise technical and non-technical skills in full crisis simulations situated within a fully-simulated operating rooms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  • Simulation can provide training in the technical and non-technical skills required to be a competent urologist. • The framework presented may guide how best to incorporate simulation into training curricula. • Future work should determine whether acquired skills transfer to clinical practice and improve patient care.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Sonal
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Arora
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lamb
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Shabnam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Undre
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kneebone
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Ara
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Darzi
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Nick
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sevdalis
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D014572:Urology / Q000193:education*