Simulation-Based Learning Strategies to Teach Undergraduate Students Basic Surgical Skills: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Simulation Technology

Background:

• Simulation-based learning (SBL) is increasingly recognized for its role in surgical education.
• Standardization of SBL interventions is needed to optimize learning outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically appraise literature on SBL courses for undergraduate surgical education.
• To develop a design framework for standardizing future SBL interventions.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of the MEDLINE database.
• Analysis of 40 studies on SBL interventions in undergraduate medical education.
• Categorization of interventions by laboratory type (dry, wet, mixed, cadaveric).

Main Results:

• Cadaveric SBL interventions demonstrated 100% positive results, followed by mixed (92%), dry (75%), and wet (57%).
• Studies evaluated SBL effectiveness through pre/post-intervention comparisons and student perspectives.
• A comprehensive SBL design framework was developed based on the findings.

Conclusions:

• SBL is crucial for developing safer and more efficient surgeons.
• The SBL design framework provides a guide for standardized basic surgical training at the undergraduate level.
• Standardization through the framework can accelerate improvements in surgical education.