Evidence-based assessment of endoscopic simulators for training.

This article focuses on some important key questions: Can the currently available simulators distinguish between the skill levels of a novice who has never performed endoscopic procedures and an expert who teaches the procedure? Do the cases on the simulator accurately simulate the difficulty of the procedure and the skill required to perform therapeutic maneuvers? What is the evidence that the currently available simulators can supplement or even replace bedside training? When are simulators most useful in the learning period? This article examines the published evidence regarding the efficacy of the current generation of endoscopic simulators in endoscopic training.