How do you train surgeons to do complex surgeries? How do you measure a trainee's progress? How can you accurately simulate the look and feel of surgery?
Patrick Garfjeld Roberts is researching into simulation as a training method for surgeons doing keyhole surgery on joints. The aim is to be able to recreate the look and feel of keyhole surgery, where it's necessary to learn what's up and down all over again using their specialist instruments. Patrick discusses the progress that has been made in understanding what it takes to develop into a 'good pair of hands' and the different techniques they can use to hone the skills of surgeons before they do it for real in patients.
