title: Simulators and the simulation environment: getting the balance right in simulation-based surgical education.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Simulation occupies a central position in surgical education. It offers a safe environment for trainees to develop and improve their skills through sustained deliberate self-practice and appropriate feedback. This review explores the role of simulators and the simulation environment in light of educational theory to promote effective learning.
  
  
  METHODS
  Information was obtained from peer-reviewed publications, books and online material.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A simplistic perspective frames simulation as a means of gaining technical skills on basic models by offering a safe alternative to carrying out procedures on real patients. Although necessary, that aspect of simulation requires greater depth to satisfy the growing demand for alternatives to traditional clinical learning. A more realistic view should frame simulation as a means to gaining mastery within a complex clinical world. In order to strike the balance on simulating an ideal clinical scenario, alignment of the simulator and the simulation environment in the appropriate context appears crucial.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic, Reconstructive & Burns Surgery, Birmingham Children's Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK. hazim.sadideen@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: Hazim
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sadideen
authors.forename: Karim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hamaoui
authors.forename: Munir
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Saadeddin
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kneebone
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000193:education*