Bridging the Gap: A Systematic Review of Learner Perspectives on Innovative Technologies in Cleft Education

By Dr Anna Chiara Corriero, Anish Subramaniam, Sam Hamedi, Mr Umar Rehman, Dr Felicity Vidya Mehendale

EMS300 Student Conference 2026

Slide 1: Bridging. A full description follows.

Summary

The presentation reviews learner perspectives on technology-enhanced education for cleft conditions, highlighting its potential to bridge educational disparities. It systematically evaluates the effectiveness of various technological interventions, particularly simulation and e-learning, across different geo-economic contexts. Key findings indicate significant improvements in learner confidence and satisfaction, although challenges such as access and resource limitations persist, especially in low-income settings. The evidence, while promising, is primarily derived from high-income countries and short-term studies, raising questions about broader implementation in surgical training.