Perceptions About the Present and Future of Surgical Simulation: A National Study of Mixed Qualitative and Quantitative Methodology.
OBJECTIVE
Assess expert opinion on the current and future role of simulation in surgical education.


METHODS
Expert opinion was sought through an externally validated questionnaire that was disseminated electronically.


METHODS
Heads of Schools of Surgery (HoS) (and deputies) and Training Program Directors (TPD) (and deputies).


RESULTS
Simulation was considered a good training tool (HoS: 15/15, TPD: 21/21). The concept that simulation is useful mostly to novices and for basic skills acquisition was rejected (HoS: 15/15, TPDs: 21/21; HoS: 13/15, TPDs: 18/21). Further, simulation is considered suitable for teaching nontechnical skills (HoS: 13/15, TPDs: 20/21) and re-enacting stressful situations (HoS: 14/15, TPDs: 15/21). Most respondents also felt that education centers should be formally accredited (HoS: 12/15, TPDs: 16/21) and that consultant mentors should be appointed by every trust (HoS: 12/15, TPDs: 19/21). In contrast, there were mixed views on its use for trainee assessment (HoS: 6/15, TPDs: 14/21) and whether it should be compulsory (HoS: 8/15, TPDs: 11/21).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of simulation for the acquirement of both technical and nontechnical skills is strongly supported while views on other applications (e.g., assessment) are conflicting. Further, the need for center accreditation and supervised, consultant-led teaching is highlighted.
School of Surgery, Health Education Yorkshire and Humber, Leeds Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom. Electronic address: marinayiasemidou@gmail.com.
Marina
M
Yiasemidou
Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom.
Daniel
D
Glassman
School of Surgery, Health Education Yorkshire and the Humber, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom.
James
J
Tomlinson
Medical School, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom.
David
D
Song
School of Surgery, Health Education Yorkshire and the Humber, Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom.
Michael J
MJ
Gough
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010465:Perception; D036301:Qualitative Research; D058996:Quality Improvement; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D000066908:Simulation Training / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D013043:Specialties, Surgical / Q000193:education*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom
Practice-Based Learning and Improvement, Professionalism, Interpersonal and Communication Skills, Systems-Based Practice, Medical Knowledge; accreditation; nontechnical skills; simulation; surgical education; technical skills