Previously submitted to: JMIR Formative Research (no longer under consideration since Dec 08, 2025)
Date Submitted: Apr 15, 2025
Warning: This is an author submission that is not peer-reviewed or edited. Preprints - unless they show as "accepted" - should not be relied on to guide clinical practice or health-related behavior and should not be reported in news media as established information.
Beyond learning: the potential cost-saving benefits of technology-enhanced surgical training
ABSTRACT
Healthcare systems are facing escalating pressures due to rising costs and increasing demand, particularly within surgical departments. Traditional surgical training models have been unsustainable, contributing to inefficiencies and increased operative times. This paper explores the potential of technology-enhanced surgical training, specifically augmented reality (AR), to address these challenges. By integrating AR-based simulation platforms, such as the LapAR system, surgical trainees can develop key skills in a controlled, cost-effective environment. This approach allows for a reduction in operative time, which translates to significant cost savings for healthcare systems. Using laparoscopic appendectomy as a case study, the paper presents a cost-benefit analysis demonstrating that AR-based training could save the NHS an estimated £3.5 million annually. The findings suggest that while further validation is needed, the adoption of AR in surgical training could improve both the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of healthcare delivery.
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Copyright
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