Research in Focus:

The Feasibility and Acceptability of Integrating Regular Centralised Laboratory-based Training into a Surgical Training Programme

Authors: George B Hanna, Stella Mavroveli, Stephen Marchington, Timothy Allen-Mersh, Elisabeth Paice, Nigel Standfield

Year: 2012

Journal: Medical Teacher

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3109/0142159x.2012.714878

In this ‘Research in Focus’ post, we’re highlighting a pivotal study from our team that explores the integration of centralised simulation training within regional UK surgical training programmes.

The London Core Anatomy, General, Vascular and ENT Surgical Skills Programme stands as the world’s largest simulation-based training and assessment programme integrated within surgical training. Spanning an 8-year pathway and aligned with the UK surgical curriculum, the programme delivers high-quality, cross-specialty skills training and assessment.

Key Takeaways

  • Feasible and Acceptable: The programme achieved 70% trainee attendance and 100% trainer participation. Trainees rated sessions highly (4–5 out of 5).
  • Safe, Structured Skills Development: Simulation provided a low-pressure environment to practise both open and laparoscopic procedures.
  • Targeted & Structured: Training was matched to clinical experience and evolved with feedback, improving relevance and skill transfer to real clinical settings.
  • Challenges: Senior trainees wanted better integration with operating theatre schedules.

Relevance to SiMPEDIA

This research supports integrating structured, curriculum aligned simulation into formal training pathways, an approach aligned with SiMPEDIA’s mission to make surgical education more accessible, relevant, and effective. Effective integration hinges on ensuring simulation complements real-world training while remaining adaptable to learner needs. 

SiMPEDIA is proud to support this ground-breaking programme by supplying UK curriculum-aligned simulators, reinforcing our commitment to improving the accessibility, relevance and impact of simulation-based education.