The aim of this thesis was to observe for educational technology through various platforms that could enhance, rather than replace, current training methods in Trauma and Orthopaedic surgery. 9 studies, spanning over 6 years, focussed on validating contemporary simulation methods that consisted of multimodal, multimedia and multi-disciplinary approaches to challenge orthodox pedagogy. Balance between fidelity, interaction and immersion was justified for each simulation scenario after being trialled and tested on cohorts of students, trainees and consultant surgeons. New content was created for the purpose of this thesis as well as being the first to validate commercial virtual reality simulators. Validation consisted of construct, face and content validity as well as training effect and acceptability.
Initially, the opinions of the international undergraduate medical student body on the importance of surgical simulation and patient perception on the use of simulated models during Orthopaedic consultations were researched. 5 studies compromised of randomised controlled trials to reach a high level of evidence. Out of those, 3 training effect studies demonstrated that repeated practice improved the psychomotor skills as well as decision-making abilities in cognitive task analysis. With more options available as a result of this thesis, the hope is to formally implement more simulation into the curriculum.
The simulation scenarios in this body of work were conducted in a safe and controlled environment to minimise the learning curve when it came to familiarising with new knowledge, thus upholding patient safety as a core pillar of clinical governance. A blended approach attempted to develop and hone both technical and non-technical skills to potentially reduce risk of iatrogenic errors and litigation for future generations of surgeons. Overall, the intention of the modern simulation modalities was to bring Trauma and Orthopaedic surgical training out of its infancy into the 21st century using quantitative and qualitative evidence.