[Current and future use of surgical skills simulation in gynecologic resident education: a French national survey]

Simulation is a promising method to enhance surgical education in gynecology. The purpose of this study was to provide baseline information on the current use of simulators across French academic schools.

Two questionnaires were created, one specifically for residents and one for professors. Main issues included the type of simulators used and the kind of use made for training purposes. Opinions and agreement about the use of simulators were also asked.

Twenty-six percent of residents (258/998) and 24% of professors (29/122) answered the questionnaire. Sixty-five percent of residents (167/258) had experienced simulators. Laparoscopic pelvic-trainers (84%) and sessions on alive pigs (63%) were most commonly used. Residents reported access to simulators most commonly during introductory sessions (51%) and days of academic workshops (38%). Residents believed simulators very useful for training. Professors agreed that simulators should become a required part of residency training, but were less enthusiastic regarding simulation becoming a part of certification for practice.

Surgical skills simulators are already experienced by a majority of French gynecologic residents. However, the use of these educational tools varies among surgical schools and remains occasional for the majority of residents. There was a strong agreement that simulation technology should be a component of training.