Mind the Gap: a Competency-Based Scoping Review of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Reported Simulation Training Models.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation
• Plastic Surgery Training

Background:

• Simulation training is essential for plastic surgery education, providing a safe environment for skill acquisition.
• Existing simulation models vary in their coverage of the specialty.
• This study aimed to catalog plastic surgery simulation models and identify gaps using Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) competencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and classify existing plastic surgery simulation models.
• To map these models against the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) competencies.
• To identify gaps in simulation training coverage, especially in aesthetic surgery.

Main Methods:

• A Delphi process was used to analyze ACGME competencies for simulation suitability.
• A systematic literature search of PubMed was conducted for plastic surgery simulation models.
• Eligible articles were identified using predefined criteria and a blind review process.

Main Results:

• 1667 articles were initially retrieved, with 66 meeting inclusion criteria.
• Simulation models were described for 58.8% of the 34 identified ACGME competencies.
• Models predominantly covered reconstructive surgery (84.2%) with limited coverage for aesthetic surgery (13.3%).

Conclusions:

• Significant gaps exist in simulation training models for plastic surgery competencies.
• New simulation models are needed, particularly to address the identified deficits in aesthetic surgery training.
• This review provides a foundation for developing comprehensive simulation curricula.