Assessing the attitude of surgical trainees towards virtual reality simulation: A national cross-sectional questionnaire study

Background We performed a cross sectional study to determine the attitudes of surgical trainees and medical students towards virtual reality (VR) simulation in surgical training. A survey was devised through an iterative process before distribution to surgical trainees, foundation year doctors and medical students through online platforms. Methods The survey was disseminated within the United Kingdom through social media and email correspondence, in co-operation with national surgical organisations. 91 trainees responded from a variety of clinical specialities. Results VR technology in surgical training was viewed positively, with 91.3% of trainees agreeing that VR should be both an adjunct in surgical training as well as a competency-based assessment tool. Barriers to access were present, with access notably more challenging for senior surgeons. Conclusion Virtual reality surgical simulation in surgical training is beginning to emerge as a genuine high-fidelity, low-risk solution to the lack of surgical case volume trainees are currently experiencing.