To simulate or not to simulate: what is the question?

Sutherland and colleagues have performed a systematic review of the randomized controlled trials (RCT) that have been performed comparing surgical simulation technologies with other forms of surgical skills training. Their stated objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical simulation compared with other training modalities in published RCTs. They conclude that simulation has not yet been shown to be better than other forms of training, based on a review of the relevant literature.