Journal of Clinical Medicine
Simulation-Based Training Tools for Cleft Lip Repair: A Systematic Review
By Aleksander P. Jaworski, Katarzyna Ochman, Kamil Szemik and 11 others.
Abstract
Background
Simulation may supplement operative exposure in cleft lip surgery, but the strength and clinical relevance of evidence remain uncertain. This systematic review evaluated cleft lip repair simulators, focusing on characteristics, validity evidence, educational effectiveness, and implementation.
Methods
PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were searched on 1 August 2026. Eligible studies were original English-language studies published in 2016–2026 evaluating cleft lip repair simulators for training or assessment. Non-original reports and studies without an eligible training or assessment component were excluded. Two reviewers independently selected studies and extracted data. Validity evidence was assessed using Messick’s framework, educational effectiveness using an adapted McGaghie framework, and methodological quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) 2018. Findings were synthesized narratively. The protocol was submitted to PROSPERO on 5 August 2026, and registered on 11 August 2026 (CRD420261469105).