Abstract:
Objective: To determine whether skills acquired by simulationbased training transfer to the operative setting. Summary Background Data: The fundamental assumption of simulation- based training is that skills acquired in simulated settings are directly transferable to the operating room, yet little evidence has focused on correlating simulated performance with actual surgical performance. Methods: A systematic search strategy was used to retrieve relevant studies. Inclusion of articles was determined using a predetermined protocol, independent assessment by 2 reviewers, and a final consensus decision. Only studies that reported on the use of simulationbased training for surgical skills training, and the transferability of these skills to the operative setting, were included. Results: Ten randomized controlled trials and 1 nonrandomized comparative study were included in this review. In most cases, simulation-based training was in addition to normal training programs. Only 1 study compared simulation-based training with patient- based training. For laparoscopic cholecystectomy and colonoscopy/ sigmoidoscopy, participants who received simulation-based training before undergoing patient-based assessment performed better than their counterparts who did not receive previous simulation training, but improvement was not demonstrated for all measured parameters.
