Surgical simulation training: mobile and anywhere

A mobile unit allows surgical trainees to use state-of-the-art simulation equipment in urban and rural locations

Simulation-based training has gained importance in surgical training worldwide. It allows trainees to learn and consolidate skills without risking patient safety.1,2 Evidence for the educational value of surgical simulation is accumulating rapidly, and several studies have shown that simulator-acquired skills can be successfully transferred to the operating room.3-5 Nonetheless, simulation is still not widely available to Australian surgical trainees. A recent survey showed that 43% of supervisors and 63% of surgical trainee respondents reported having no simulation equipment at their workplace.6