Integrate high-fidelity body donor models with low-fidelity simulators across the training progression¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 5 claims (5 for) · 1 study (1 review), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 5 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The review recommends combining high-fidelity body donor models with low-fidelity simulations so that trainees develop both foundational and advanced skills: "The integration of both high-fidelity body donor models and low-fidelity simulations can offer a comprehensive training experience". It grounds this in cognitive load theory, arguing low-fidelity models reduce intrinsic and extraneous load for early-stage learners, while body donor models provide anatomical realism for advanced practice. The review cites evidence that general surgery trainees preferred low-cost models for initial learning of hernia repair while favouring body donor models for overall training experience.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Access to both low-fidelity simulators and body donor models within a training programme
• Sequencing that matches model fidelity to trainee stage, with low-fidelity models for novices

Constraints¶

• Body donor models are more expensive than lower-fidelity alternatives, though costs can be mitigated through planned coordinated use across multiple specialties

Target Learners¶

• novice surgical trainees
• postgraduate surgical residents

Target Learning Goals¶

• foundational laparoscopic skills
• advanced laparoscopic procedures

Claims¶

• Body donor models are perceived by postgraduate trainees as authentic and of high educational value for laparoscopic training [+M]
• Trainees rated fresh-frozen body donors significantly superior to live porcine models for port placement and anatomy realism, while rating the porcine model better on tissue quality, air leak and odour [+M]
• N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone-embalmed donors showed significantly greater abdominal response to CO2 insufflation than formalin-embalmed donors, suggesting better suitability for laparoscopic simulation [+W]
• Only one included study assessed predictive validity, showing a curriculum including body donor lab sessions improved real-patient laparoscopic performance over conventional training [+M]
• Soft-embalmed body donor models remain usable over prolonged sequential use without perceived tissue deterioration [+W]

Related Strategies¶

• Use risk-free high-fidelity VR simulation to complement physical training for hazardous clinical procedures
• Integrate high-fidelity simulation into continuing nursing education and professional development programs
• Implement simulation-based education with targeted interventions, high-intensity low-dose high-frequency training, and strong integration and support
• Progressively integrate haptic simulators from basic skills to complex surgical tasks across the curriculum
• Use targeted educational interventions — continuing education, dissection courses, generative retrieval and integrated anatomy training — to sustain basic science retention

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Pinar Sedat Alp, Morrow Joseph J., Kong Chia Yew. (2025). A systematic review of the use of human body donor models for postgraduate laparoscopic surgical training. Anatomical Science International. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12565-025-00872-z