Survey of Trainee Attitudes to Skill Development and Simulation Training in Trauma and Orthopaedics

Background Simulation training in surgery is widespread and allows surgeons to practise novel operative techniques and acquaint themselves with unfamiliar surgical procedures. The use of box or virtual reality simulators in many surgical specialities is established; however, its use within trauma and orthopaedics (T&O) in the UK and the attitudes of trainee towards it are not known. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences and opinions of T&O trainees towards simulation training. Methods An electronic survey consisting of 11 questions on the experiences of simulation training and attitudes towards it was sent to all T&O speciality trainees in London. Results Fewer than 10% of the responders had used or had ready access to simulators to prepare for unfamiliar operations, with almost 90% preferring to read about them in a journal or watch them on an online video site. Over half had only seen simulators on courses or been aware of them. Over 75% of the responders believed that simulators should be available for trainees, but most did not feel that they should be used as part of formal assessments. Conclusions Methods for preparing for new operations have expanded over the past 20 years, yet the use of simulator machines is not widespread. Many trainees believe current machines are not widely available nor realistic enough to be useful, with most preferring online videos and operative technique books for preparing for an unfamiliar operation.