Develop standardized simulation-based leadership curricula with longitudinal evaluation and multi-center randomized comparison of formats¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 4 claims (4 for) · 1 study (1 review), q3 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 4 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The review's forward-looking recommendation is to move from heterogeneous, mostly short-term studies toward standardized leadership training combining simulation with longitudinal evaluation, and toward multi-center randomized studies comparing simulation formats. The authors write that "Further studies must be done to create standard leadership training, combining simulation and longitudinal evaluation to gain insight into the sustainability of skill mastery." They also call for objective leadership metrics and study of patient safety and clinical outcomes, and see clinically relevant implications in increased integration of structured leadership simulation into surgical education programs.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Multi-center randomized studies with large subject bases
• Validated objective leadership metrics reducing rater subjectivity
• Structured intervention protocols and fidelity monitoring

Constraints¶

• Current evidence base is heterogeneous in design, modalities, participant groups, and outcome measures, limiting direct comparability

Target Learners¶

• General surgery trainees and practicing surgeons
• Interprofessional surgical teams

Target Learning Goals¶

• Leadership development
• Sustained retention of non-technical skills
• Patient safety behaviors

Claims¶

• Evidence on simulation-based leadership training lacks longitudinal follow-up and objective patient-centered outcomes, limiting causal inference [+W]
• Simulation-based leadership training is associated with improved leadership performance in surgical settings, with reported gains of 2–4 points on behavioral scales [+W]
• Participant satisfaction with simulation-based leadership training was generally high, often above 90% [+W]
• Simulation-based training is associated with communication and teamwork gains of approximately 2–3 points and NOTSS domain means of 2.8–3.5 on 4-point scales [+W]

Related Strategies¶

• Research agenda: standardize reporting, run comparative efficacy studies, and track longitudinal transfer to clinical practice
• Integrate GTA teaching as part of a broader multi-modality strategy, with hybrid GTA–manikin models, co-produced standards, and longitudinal, patient-inclusive evaluation
• Establish standardized implementation frameworks and conduct multi-center longitudinal studies on VR communication training
• Prioritize longitudinal studies tracking trainees from simulation to real-world surgical performance

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Gulnaz Nadia, Soomro Faiza Hashim, Nazir Izza, Ansar Mehwish, Arshad Rabia. (2026). From operating room to leadership room: a systematic review of simulation-based interventions for leadership development in general surgery. BMC Medical Education. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-026-09486-z