Use of Innovative Technology in Surgical Training in Resource-Limited Settings: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: There has been a rapid growth in interest in global surgery. This increased commitment to improving global surgical care, however, has not translated into an equal exchange of surgical information between high-income countries (HICs) and low-income countries (LMICs). In recent years, a greater emphasis has been placed on training local medical personnel in order to increase surgical capacity while simultaneously decreasing reliance on expatriate visitors. Virtual curricular models, simulators, and immersive technologies have been developed and implemented in order to maximize training opportunities in low-resource settings. This study aims to assess and summarize innovative technologies used for surgical training in low-resource settings.

Methods: We conducted a scoping review of the literature from 2000 to 2021. We included both academic and grey literature on surgical education technologies. Searches were performed on Medline and Embase as well as on Google, iOS, and Android app stores.

Results: Four main categories of surgical training platforms were identified: web-based platforms, app-based platforms, virtual and augmented reality, and simulation. The platforms were analyzed based on their content, effectiveness, cost, accessibility, and barriers to use.

Conclusions: Virtual learning platforms show potential in surgical training as they are easily accessible, not limited by geography, continuously updated, and evaluated for effectiveness. In order to provide access to educational resources for surgical trainees all around the world, particularly in low-resource settings, increased effort and resources should be dedicated to developing free, open-access surgical training programs . Doing so will promote sustainable and equitable development in global surgical care.

Keywords: Global Surgery; Innovative Technology; Resource-Limited Settings; Surgical Education; Virtual Learning.