Deliberate Practice in Simulation-Based Surgical Skills Training: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Simulation-Based Learning

Background:

• Shift from traditional Halstedian methods to simulation-based medical education (SBME).
• Deliberate practice principles align with both traditional and SBME approaches.
• Effectiveness of deliberate practice in surgical training requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of deliberate practice in SBME for surgical skill acquisition.
• Assess improvements in trainee performance and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search across multiple databases (PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Google Scholar).
• Screening of 301 articles, with 17 meeting inclusion criteria for analysis.
• Analysis of diverse study designs including RCTs, pretest/post-test, non-randomized comparisons, and observational studies.

Main Results:

• All included studies reported positive learner outcomes with SBME and deliberate practice.
• Skill transfer to the clinical environment was demonstrated in two studies.
• Improved patient outcomes were noted in one study.

Conclusions:

• SBME incorporating deliberate practice appears effective for surgical skill development.
• Research quality and inconsistent application of deliberate practice elements limit definitive conclusions.
• Limited evidence exists for skills retention beyond 30 days, necessitating further high-quality research.