Simulation-based training in maxillofacial surgery: are we going to be left behind?

Simulation is an important way both to optimise a trainee's learning time and reduce morbidity and operating time for patients. We have reviewed the current use of simulation in training for maxillofacial surgery, and provide an overview of areas of practice where it may be useful. A web-based survey of trainees' opinions of it was made in February 2018, and disseminated using the Junior and Fellows in Training group mailing lists. We also reviewed popular current simulation courses that are available. A total of 45 of the 57 trainees who replied agreed that simulation-based training would be beneficial in maxillofacial surgery, particularly with regard to maxillofacial surgical emergencies. A total of 54 of the 57 also agreed that simulation-based training would be a useful adjunct to their clinical training. However, most of the simulation-based courses available were priced beyond the budgets available to UK-based trainees for study, although funding changed in April 2018. While other surgical disciplines have adopted simulated clinical teaching and its benefits, maxillofacial surgery has limited the use of all types of formal simulation. Surgical simulation training is increasingly being used to complement the traditional surgical apprenticeship in other specialties, and ours needs to consider ways in which we can use it, given that trainees within the specialty think that it would be useful. Other specialties have shown that there is good transfer of skills from simulation to the actual clinical operating environment, and this increases satisfaction, decreases morbidity, and reduces the time required for intraoperative teaching.