Can technology bridge the surgical training gap in low-resource settings? This review explores the potential of e-learning to expand and enhance surgical education where it's most needed. Accessible technologies offer a promising avenue to immediately impact training and improve surgical skills. This paper synthesizes findings on the value and challenges of e-learning in low-resource settings (LRSs). Trainees view both context-specific and general e-learning resources as valuable, but learner-centered content tailored to LRS needs is most effective. Infrastructural limitations and difficulty finding quality materials pose significant challenges. Content variability, incompleteness, repetition, and a lack of curricular focus are also barriers. Future efforts should prioritize improving the accessibility, quality, and relevance of e-learning materials for LRS trainees. Sustainability and local ownership are crucial for long-term success. Evaluating the appropriateness, acceptability, and impact of e-learning resources is essential to maximize their effectiveness and ensure they meet the specific needs of surgical trainees in these environments.
Current Surgery Reports is focused on medicine and surgery. This review aligns with the journal's scope by focusing on strategies to improve surgical training, particularly in settings with limited resources. By exploring the use of e-learning, the review addresses a crucial need for innovative solutions to enhance surgical education.