Advances in Simulation and Surgical Skill Training Evolution: Narrative Integrative Review

Year : 2026 | Volume : 15 | Issue : 01 | Page : 7 13
    By

    Shekhar Srivastava,

  • Shahid Hassan,

  • Rokib Hasan Morad,

  • Swati Srivastava,

  • Siddhartha Chandel,

  • Sharique Ahmad,

  1. Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Era University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
  2. Associate Dean Academics, Department of Medical Education, American University of Barbados School of Medicine, Wildey, Saint Michael, BB-11100, Barbados
  3. Student MD Program, American University of Barbados School of Medicine, Wildey, Bridgetown, Saint Michael, BB-11100, Barbados
  4. Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, Era’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Era University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
  5. Professor, Department of Dentistry, Era’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Era University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
  6. Professor, Department of Pathology, Era’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Era University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Simulation-based education has emerged as a cornerstone of contemporary general surgery training, driven by increasing emphasis on patient safety, competency-based education, and rapid technological innovation. Traditional apprenticeship models, while foundational, are constrained by reduced operative exposure, work-hour limitations, and variability in clinical case mix. In this context, simulation provides a structured, reproducible, and safe environment for acquisition, assessment, and refinement of surgical skills across the training continuum. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the evolution of simulation in general surgery, encompassing educational theory, technological modalities, clinical integration, challenges, and future directions. Low-fidelity task trainers and box simulators continue to play a vital role in foundational skill development, while virtual reality and augmented reality platforms enable immersive, metrics-driven training for minimally invasive procedures. Robotic surgery simulation has become increasingly relevant, supporting credentialing and shortening learning curves before live operative practice. High-fidelity team-based simulation further addresses non-technical skills, including communication, leadership, and crisis management, which are critical determinants of operating room safety. This review also highlights the growing role of tele-simulation and remote mentoring, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where access to advanced training resources is limited. Persistent challenges include financial constraints, infrastructure requirements, faculty development, variability in validation standards, and limited long-term patient-level outcome data. Future directions point toward artificial intelligence-enabled adaptive learning, extended reality-based virtual operating rooms, integration of simulation analytics with real-world clinical outcomes, and expanded global access through tele-simulation. Overall, simulation-based education is transitioning from a supplementary tool to an integrated educational ecosystem, positioning it as a critical driver of surgical competence, patient safety, and equity in general surgery training.

Keywords: Competency-based medical education, general surgery training, robotic surgery, simulation-based education, surgical simulation, tele-simulation, virtual reality

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews : Journal of Surgery ]

How to cite this article:
Shekhar Srivastava, Shahid Hassan, Rokib Hasan Morad, Swati Srivastava, Siddhartha Chandel, Sharique Ahmad. Advances in Simulation and Surgical Skill Training Evolution: Narrative Integrative Review. Research and Reviews : Journal of Surgery. 2026; 15(01):7-13.
How to cite this URL:
Shekhar Srivastava, Shahid Hassan, Rokib Hasan Morad, Swati Srivastava, Siddhartha Chandel, Sharique Ahmad. Advances in Simulation and Surgical Skill Training Evolution: Narrative Integrative Review. Research and Reviews : Journal of Surgery. 2026; 15(01):7-13. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjos/article=2026/view=239031


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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 15
Issue 01
Received 12/02/2026
Accepted 14/02/2026
Published 23/03/2026
Publication Time 39 Days
36

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