title: Mobile Simulation Unit: taking simulation to the surgical trainee.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Simulation-based training has become an increasingly accepted part of surgical training. However, simulators are still not widely available to surgical trainees. Some factors that hinder the widespread implementation of simulation-based training are the lack of standardized methods and equipment, costs and time constraints. We have developed a Mobile Simulation Unit (MSU) that enables trainees to access modern simulation equipment tailored to the needs of the learner at the trainee's workplace.
  
  
  METHODS
  From July 2012 to December 2012, the MSU visited six hospitals in South Australia, four in metropolitan and two in rural areas. Resident Medical Officers, surgical trainees, Fellows and International Medical Graduates were invited to voluntarily utilize a variety of surgical simulators on offer. Participants were asked to complete a survey about the accessibility of simulation equipment at their workplace, environment of the MSU, equipment available and instruction received. Utilization data were collected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The MSU was available for a total of 303 h over 52 days. Fifty-five participants were enrolled in the project and each spent on average 118 min utilizing the simulators. The utilization of the total available time was 36%. Participants reported having a poor access to simulation at their workplace and overwhelmingly gave positive feedback regarding their experience in the MSU.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of the MSU to provide simulation-based education in surgery is feasible and practical. The MSU provides consistent simulation training at the surgical trainee's workplace, regardless of geographic location, and it has the potential to increase participation in simulation programmes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Australian Safety and Efficacy Register of New Interventional Procedures - Surgical, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Guilherme
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pena
authors.forename: Meryl
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Altree
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Babidge
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Field
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hewett
authors.forename: Guy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Maddern
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000379:methods; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000193:education*; D017145:Models, Educational; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013021:South Australia
keywords: education; graduate medical; laparoscopic skills; patient simulation; surgical training