Correction to: Assessment of a virtual reality temporal bone surgical simulator: a national face and content validity study

Virtual Reality Simulation for the Middle Cranial Fossa Approach: A Validation Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Virtual reality (VR) surgical rehearsal is an educational tool that exists in a safe environment. Validation is necessary to establish the educational value of this platform. The middle cranial fossa (MCF) is ideal for simulation because trainees have limited exposure to this approach and it has considerable complication risk. Our objectives were to assess the face, content, and construct validities of an MCF VR simulation, as well as the change in performance across serial simulations.

METHODS

Using high-resolution volumetric data sets of human cadavers, the authors generated a high-fidelity visual and haptic rendering of the MCF approach using CardinalSim software. Trainees from Neurosurgery and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at two Canadian academic centers performed MCF dissections on this VR platform. Randomization was used to assess the effect of enhanced VR interaction. Likert scales were used to assess the face and content validities. Performance metrics and pre- and postsimulation test scores were evaluated. Construct validity was evaluated by examining the effect of the training level on simulation performance.

RESULTS

Twenty trainees were enrolled. Face and content validities were achieved in all domains. Construct validity, however, was not demonstrated. Postsimulation test scores were significantly higher than presimulation test scores ( P < .001 ). Trainees demonstrated statistically significant improvement in the time to complete dissections ( P < .001 ), internal auditory canal skeletonization ( P < .001 ), completeness of the anterior petrosectomy ( P < .001 ), and reduced number of injuries to critical structures ( P = .001 ).

CONCLUSION

This MCF VR simulation created using CardinalSim demonstrated face and content validities. Construct validity was not established because no trainee included in the study had previous MCF approach experience, which further emphasizes the importance of simulation. When used as a formative educational adjunct in both Neurosurgery and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, this simulation has the potential to enhance understanding of the complex anatomic relationships of critical neurovascular structures.

[Residency is a fundamental stage of professional training of an otorhinolaryngologist]

Systematic analysis of various indicators of the educational process becomes important to assess the effectiveness of the training of residents. One of the most common tools for monitoring the effectiveness of the educational process is a questionnaire of students.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the results of the assessment of the quality of training in the residency of the Sverzhevky Research Clinical Institute of Otorhinolaryngology according to the survey of residents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study includes the results of an anonymous questionnaire survey of a sample group of residents of the residency of the Sverzhevky Research Clinical Institute of Otorhinolaryngology of the second year of study.

RESULTS

The data obtained allow us to judge the satisfaction with the quality of training of the absolute majority of the interviewed residents, their active use of specialized electronic search engines, a high assessment of the level of lectures, the desire to improve their surgical training. The importance for the professional development of residents of participation in weekly scientific and clinical conferences of the Sverzhevky Research Clinical Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, meetings of the Moscow Scientific Society of Otorhinolaryngologists, traditional annual scientific and practical conferences of otorhinolaryngologists of Moscow, as well as in the activities of the Youth Council of the Institute is noted.

CONCLUSION

The results of the survey create prerequisites for improving the educational process, the formation of professional competencies and readiness for independent work among residents.