TY - JOUR
T1 - Virtual reality training improves simulated laparoscopic surgery performance in laparoscopy naïve medical students
AU - Lucas, Steven
AU - Tuncel, Altug
AU - Bensalah, Karim
AU - Zeltser, Ilia
AU - Jenkins, Adam
AU - Pearle, Margaret S
AU - Cadeddu, Jeffrey A
PY - 2008/5/1
Y1 - 2008/5/1
N2 - Purpose: With the expanding role of laparoscopy in urologic practice, efficient and safe training has become paramount. Virtual reality simulation may potentially aid training, but it requires validation before it can be incorporated into training programs. The objective of this study was to assess whether training on a virtual reality (VR) laparoscopy simulator (LAP Mentor™) can improve performance of virtual laparoscopic procedures. Materials and Methods: After a basic introduction to the LAP Mentor, 32 inexperienced medical students performed a baseline VR cholecystectomy that was observed and scored by two observers using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS). The students were then randomized to two groups: Group 1 trained on the simulator without supervision during a total of six 30-minute sessions, and group 2 received no training. Students were then reevaluated on a second VR cholecystectomy by the same observers. Results: All 32 students completed the study. The two groups were comparable with regard to baseline OSATS scores (group 1, 16.6 ± 4.3 v group 2, 15.67 ± 6.3, P = 0.2). On the second evaluation, the trained students (group 1) performed significantly better than the control group (group 2) (27.9 ± 7.2 v 17.6 ± 6.2, P < 0.001). Group 1 students outperformed group 2 students in each category of the OSATS. Moreover, trained students improved their scores by at least 20% (P < 0.001) in each category, while the untrained students improved only in the "knowledge of procedure" category by 25% (P = 0.03). Conclusion: Skills training on a LAP Mentor VR simulator improved VR surgical performance. Before incorporating this simulator into resident education, the LAP Mentor will have to undergo testing for predictive and construct validity.
AB - Purpose: With the expanding role of laparoscopy in urologic practice, efficient and safe training has become paramount. Virtual reality simulation may potentially aid training, but it requires validation before it can be incorporated into training programs. The objective of this study was to assess whether training on a virtual reality (VR) laparoscopy simulator (LAP Mentor™) can improve performance of virtual laparoscopic procedures. Materials and Methods: After a basic introduction to the LAP Mentor, 32 inexperienced medical students performed a baseline VR cholecystectomy that was observed and scored by two observers using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS). The students were then randomized to two groups: Group 1 trained on the simulator without supervision during a total of six 30-minute sessions, and group 2 received no training. Students were then reevaluated on a second VR cholecystectomy by the same observers. Results: All 32 students completed the study. The two groups were comparable with regard to baseline OSATS scores (group 1, 16.6 ± 4.3 v group 2, 15.67 ± 6.3, P = 0.2). On the second evaluation, the trained students (group 1) performed significantly better than the control group (group 2) (27.9 ± 7.2 v 17.6 ± 6.2, P < 0.001). Group 1 students outperformed group 2 students in each category of the OSATS. Moreover, trained students improved their scores by at least 20% (P < 0.001) in each category, while the untrained students improved only in the "knowledge of procedure" category by 25% (P = 0.03). Conclusion: Skills training on a LAP Mentor VR simulator improved VR surgical performance. Before incorporating this simulator into resident education, the LAP Mentor will have to undergo testing for predictive and construct validity.
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U2 - 10.1089/end.2007.0366
DO - 10.1089/end.2007.0366
M3 - Article
C2 - 18643722
AN - SCOPUS:43749083477
SN - 0892-7790
VL - 22
SP - 1047
EP - 1051
JO - Journal of endourology
JF - Journal of endourology
IS - 5
ER -