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Obayemi JE, Donkersloot J, Kim E, Thelander K, Byrnes M, Kim GJ. A needs assessment for simulation in African surgical education. Surg Endosc 2024; 38:1654-1661. [PMID: 38326586 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-023-10665-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is a critical need for comprehensive surgical training in African countries given the unmet surgical burden of disease in this region. Collaborative and progressive initiatives in global surgical education will have the greatest impact on trainees. Little is known about surgical education needs from the perspective of practicing surgeons and trainees in low-middle-income countries (LMICs). Even less is known about the potential role for simulation to augment training. METHODS A modified Delphi methodology with 2 rounds of responses was employed to survey program directors (PD) and associate program directors (APD) of Pan-African Association of Christian Surgeons (PAACS) general surgery residency programs across eight low-middle-income countries in Africa. 3 PD/APDs and 2 surgical residents participated in semi-structured interviews centered around the role of simulation in training. Descriptive analysis was performed to elicit key themes and illustrative examples. RESULTS The survey of program directors revealed that teaching residents the psychomotor skills need to perform intracorporeal suturing was both high priority and desired in multiple training sites. Other high priority skills were laparoscopic camera driving and medial visceral rotation. The interviews revealed a specific desire to perform laparoscopic surgery and a need for a simulation curriculum to familiarize staff and trainees with laparoscopic techniques. Several barriers to laparoscopic surgery exist, such as lack of staff familiarity with the equipment, lack of public buy in, and lack of generalizable and adaptable educational modules. Trainees saw utility in the use of simulation to optimize time in the operating room and sought opportunities to improve their laparoscopic skills. CONCLUSION Faculty and surgical trainees in LMICs have interest in learning advanced surgical techniques, such as laparoscopy. Developing a simulation curriculum tailored to the trainees' local context has the potential to fill this need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy E Obayemi
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5331, USA.
| | - John Donkersloot
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5331, USA
| | - Erin Kim
- University of Michigan Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Keir Thelander
- Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons, Palatine, IL, USA
| | - Mary Byrnes
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5331, USA
| | - Grace J Kim
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5331, USA
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Rahimi AM, Hardon SF, Scholten SR, Bonjer HJ, Daams F. Objective measurement of retention of laparoscopic skills: a prospective cohort study. Int J Surg 2023; 109:723-728. [PMID: 37010141 PMCID: PMC10389389 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000000272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There has been an overall growth of 462% in laparoscopic procedures performed by surgical residents between 2000 and 2018. Therefore, training courses in laparoscopic surgery are advocated in many postgraduate programs. While the immediate effect is determined in some cases, the retention of acquired skills is rarely investigated. The objective of this study was to objectively measure the retention of laparoscopic technical skills to offer a more personalized training program. METHODS First year general surgery residents performed two fundamental laparoscopic skills tasks (Post and Sleeve and the ZigZag loop) on the Lapron box trainer. Assessment was performed before, directly after, and 4 months after completing the basic laparoscopy course. Force, motion, and time were the measured variables. RESULTS A total of 29 participants were included from 12 Dutch training hospitals and 174 trials were analyzed. The 4 months assessment of the Post and Sleeve showed a significant improvement in force ( P= 0.004), motion ( P ≤0.001), and time ( P ≤0.001) compared to the baseline assessment. The same was true for the ZigZag loop: force ( P ≤0.001), motion ( P= 0.005), and time ( P ≤0.001).Compared to the 4 months assessment, skill deterioration was present for the Post and Sleeve in the mean force ( P= 0.046), max impulse ( P= 0.12), and time ( P= 0.002). For the ZigZag loop, skill decay was observed for force ( P= 0.021), motion ( P= 0.015), and time ( P ≤0.001) parameters. CONCLUSION Acquired laparoscopic technical skills decreased 4 months after the basic laparoscopy course. Compared to baseline performance, participants showed significant improvement, however deterioration was observed compared to postcourse measurements. To preserve acquired laparoscopic skills, it is recommended to incorporate maintenance training, preferably with objective parameters, in training curricula.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Masie Rahimi
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC – VU University Medical Center
- Amsterdam Skills Centre for Health Sciences
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sem F. Hardon
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC – VU University Medical Center
| | | | - H. Jaap Bonjer
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC – VU University Medical Center
- Amsterdam Skills Centre for Health Sciences
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Freek Daams
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC – VU University Medical Center
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Hardon SF, Rahimi AM, Postema RR, Willuth E, Mintz Y, Arezzo A, Dankelman J, Nickel F, Horeman T. Safe implementation of hand held steerable laparoscopic instruments: a survey among EAES surgeons. Updates Surg 2022; 74:1749-1754. [PMID: 35416585 PMCID: PMC9481478 DOI: 10.1007/s13304-022-01258-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The complexity of handheld steerable laparoscopic instruments (SLI) may impair the learning curve compared to conventional instruments when first utilized. This study aimed to provide the current state of interest in the use of SLI, the current use of these in daily practice and the type of training which is conducted before using SLI in the operating room (OR) on real patients. An online survey was distributed by European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) Executive Office to all active members, between January 4th and February 3rd, 2020. The survey consisted of 14 questions regarding the usage and training of steerable laparoscopic instruments. A total of 83 members responded, coming from 33 different countries. Twenty three percent of the respondents using SLI, were using the instruments routinely and of these 21% had not received any formal training in advance of using the instruments in real patients. Of all responding EAES members, 41% considered the instruments to potentially compromise patient safety due to their complexity, learning curve and the inexperience of the surgeons. The respondents reported the three most important aspects of a possible steerable laparoscopic instruments training curriculum to be: hands-on training, safe tissue handling and suturing practice. Finally, a major part of the respondents consider force/pressure feedback data to be of significant importance for implementation of training and assessment of safe laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Training and assessment of skills regarding safe implementation of steerable laparoscopic instruments is lacking. The respondents stressed the need for specific hands-on training during which feedback and assessment of skills should be guaranteed before operating on real patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S F Hardon
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC-VU University Medical Center, Room ZH 7F005, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of BioMechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - A M Rahimi
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC-VU University Medical Center, Room ZH 7F005, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R R Postema
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC-VU University Medical Center, Room ZH 7F005, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of BioMechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - E Willuth
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Y Mintz
- Department of General Surgery, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.,Technology Committee, European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES), Veldhoven, The Netherlands
| | - A Arezzo
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Torino, Turin, Italy.,Technology Committee, European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES), Veldhoven, The Netherlands
| | - J Dankelman
- Department of BioMechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - F Nickel
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Technology Committee, European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES), Veldhoven, The Netherlands
| | - T Horeman
- Department of BioMechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands.,Technology Committee, European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES), Veldhoven, The Netherlands
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Charokar K, Modi JN. Simulation-based structured training for developing laparoscopy skills in general surgery and obstetrics & gynecology postgraduates. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2021; 10:387. [PMID: 34912923 PMCID: PMC8641715 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_48_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Simulation-based training is an important strategy for skill development in a competency-based curriculum, especially so for laparoscopic surgery given its unique learning curve, need for practice, and patient safety concerns. The study was conducted for postgraduates in two surgical disciplines in a medical college tertiary care center. The study evaluates the acceptability and utility of structured simulation-based training for laparoscopic skills. Simulations provide deliberate practice in the leaner supportive environment. MATERIALSAND METHODS The educational intervention was carried out among the 16 postgraduates from year 2 and year 3 of general surgery and obstetrics and gynecology. A structured training and assessment module was designed and validated, and a 12-week structured training on laparoscopic box trainers was given to postgraduates under faculty guidance. Feedback from postgraduates and faculty was obtained using separate validated questionnaires. The pre- and post-training assessment scores were compared applying the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank (2-tailed) test using the SPSS Windows Version 20.0 (IBM Corporation). RESULTS Sixteen postgraduates participated in the study. The median satisfaction score of the postgraduates was 4 (range 3-5), a scale of a maximum of 5. The group identified faculty feedback, stepwise skills learning, supportive learning environment, and trainers' motivation as enabling factors in the training. The faculty observed that the trainees were effectively engaged. The group mean improvement scores in percentage were 40.08 for task 1, 42.08 for task 2, 43.13 for task 3, and 45.63 for task 4. CONCLUSIONS It is feasible to incorporate faculty-guided sessions of simulation training in basic laparoscopy skills for postgraduates in our setup. It is well accepted by the key stakeholders, and we recommend it to be incorporated in the formal training program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailash Charokar
- Department of General Surgery, People's College of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Jyoti Nath Modi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, AIIMS, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
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Sellers T, Ghannam M, Asantey K, Klei J, Olive E, Roach V. Low-Cost Laparoscopic Skill Training for Medical Students Using Homemade Equipment. MEDEDPORTAL : THE JOURNAL OF TEACHING AND LEARNING RESOURCES 2019; 15:10810. [PMID: 30931389 PMCID: PMC6415328 DOI: 10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the increasing prevalence of minimally invasive surgery (MIS), medical students receive little training in MIS techniques like laparoscopy. Cost is perhaps the biggest obstacle, as expensive laparoscopic skill simulators (box trainers) are needed to mimic the laparoscopic environment. Low-cost, homemade box trainers have been built and described in the literature but are generally relegated to self-directed practice for surgical residents. These do-it-yourself (DIY) box trainers are uniquely capable of addressing cost as a major barrier to laparoscopic skills training for medical students but have not previously been used specifically for this purpose. METHODS Students from the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine (n = 17) participated in a laparoscopic skills training course using DIY box trainers. Four basic laparoscopic tasks were taught using live demonstrations followed by directed practice. Learners were instructed to record their first and last attempts in order to enable self-assessment of their progress. RESULTS All learners were able to successfully complete each of the four laparoscopic tasks by the end of their respective sessions. Feedback from the learners in the form of a postsession survey indicated that the course provided an enjoyable and high-quality experience. DISCUSSION This resource is effective at providing medical students with a low-cost opportunity to experience laparoscopy and develop basic laparoscopic skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Sellers
- Medical Student, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
| | - Moleca Ghannam
- Medical Student, Student, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
| | - Kojo Asantey
- Medical Student, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
| | - Jennifer Klei
- Medical Student, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
| | - Elizabeth Olive
- Medical Student, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
| | - Victoria Roach
- Assistant Professor of Anatomy, Department of Foundational Medical Studies, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
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Trudeau MO, Carrillo B, Nasr A, Gerstle JT, Azzie G. Comparison of Adult and Pediatric Surgeons: Insight into Simulation-Based Tools That May Improve Expertise Among Experts. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A 2018; 28:599-605. [DOI: 10.1089/lap.2017.0214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian Carrillo
- Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ahmed Nasr
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Justin Ted Gerstle
- Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Georges Azzie
- Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Opportunities for surgical skills practice using high-fidelity simulation in the workplace are limited due to cost, time and geographical constraints, and accessibility to junior trainees. An alternative is needed to practise laparoscopic skills at home. Our objective was to undertake a systematic review of low-cost laparoscopic simulators. METHOD A systematic review was undertaken according to PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE/EMBASE was searched for articles between 1990 and 2014. We included articles describing portable and low-cost laparoscopic simulators that were ready-made or suitable for assembly; articles not in English, with inadequate descriptions of the simulator, and costs >£1500 were excluded. Validation, equipment needed, cost, and ease of assembly were examined. RESULTS Seventy-three unique simulators were identified (60 non-commercial, 13 commercial); 55 % (33) of non-commercial trainers were subject to at least one type of validation compared with 92 % (12) of commercial trainers. Commercial simulators had better face validation compared with non-commercial. The cost ranged from £3 to £216 for non-commercial and £60 to £1007 for commercial simulators. Key components of simulator construction were identified as abdominal cavity and wall, port site, light source, visualisation, and camera monitor. Laptop computers were prerequisite where direct vision was not used. Non-commercial models commonly utilised retail off-the-shelf components, which allowed reduction in costs and greater ease of construction. CONCLUSION The models described provide simple and affordable options for self-assembly, although a significant proportion have not been subject to any validation. Portable simulators may be the most equitable solution to allow regular basic skills practice (e.g. suturing, knot-tying) for junior surgical trainees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimi M Li
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Joseph George
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, UK
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Dayak E, Çevik U. Endoscopic instrument tracking for surgical simulation training in a controlled environment via a camera and a planar mirror. Comput Biol Med 2015; 67:161-71. [PMID: 26555745 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2015.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) has many advantages over traditional procedures and thus training with MIS tools via computer simulations has received much attention. These tools are generally grouped into two major categories: Physical training-boxes, and Computer vision/Virtual Reality (VR) tools. In this study, a computer vision based simulator is proposed which uses a training box that is composed of a single camera and a planar mirror. Occlusions are appropriately handled by the use of the epipoint geometry. The average 3D positional error was 0.96mm (±0.44mm) at 1280×960 resolution, and 1.18mm (±0.52mm) at 320×240. So, the error is minimally affected as the resolution decreases. The proposed method has some advantages over relevant literature methods, such as an improved accuracy (approximately 60%) even at low resolutions with a low processing time (approximately 30%). Therefore, the proposed method appears as a promising and low cost (approximately 50%) alternative for computer vision based MIS training tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdal Dayak
- Department of Informatics, University of Gaziantep, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Ulus Çevik
- Department of Electrical-Electronics Engineering, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey.
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Trudeau MO, Nasr A, Carrillo B, Gerstle JT, Azzie G. Construct validity and educational role for motion analysis in a laparoscopic trainer. Surg Endosc 2014; 29:2491-5. [DOI: 10.1007/s00464-014-3988-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Hanna GB, Mavroveli S, Marchington S, Allen-Mersh TG, Paice E, Standfield N. The feasibility and acceptability of integrating regular centralised laboratory-based skills training into a surgical training programme. MEDICAL TEACHER 2012; 34:e827-e832. [PMID: 22934591 DOI: 10.3109/0142159x.2012.714878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional laboratory-based skills training provides mass training that does not match clinical experience and is not tailored to individual needs. This compromises the transfer and retention of skills into clinical practice. AIM To demonstrate the feasibility of integrating a centralised programme of laboratory-based surgical skills training into a higher surgical training programme and to evaluate its effectiveness and acceptability to trainees. METHODS Laboratory-based skills training was provided at a central site, delivered by consultants and tailored to the trainees' level of clinical experience. Each trainee was expected to attend one session a month for 11 months a year. Evaluation was conducted through attendance records, structured evaluations by participants, independent qualitative questionnaires and web interviews. RESULTS Forty-two specialist surgical trainees in the North West London higher surgical training programme participated in laboratory-based skills sessions delivered by 19 consultants over a period of two years. The average attendance was 70.5% for trainees and 100% for trainers. All sessions were rated by trainees as well-organised and useful with an average score of more than 4 out of 5. Trainees felt that the Skills Programme can complement surgical training by allowing practice under expert supervision in a safe environment. CONCLUSIONS Centralising laboratory-based skills training and integrating it into a clinical programme is feasible and acceptable and represents a paradigm shift in surgical training. Involvement of trainees in designing the content is valuable.
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Affiliation(s)
- George B Hanna
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, 10th floor, QEQM Building, St Mary’s Hospital, South Wharf Road, London W2 1NY, UK.
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Are Short-term Focused Training Courses on a Phantom Model Using Porcine Gall Bladder Useful for Trainees in Acquiring Basic Laparoscopic Skills? Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech 2012; 22:154-60. [DOI: 10.1097/sle.0b013e3182478e6c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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van Empel PJ, van Rijssen LB, Commandeur JP, Verdam MGE, Huirne JA, Scheele F, Jaap Bonjer H, Jeroen Meijerink W. Validation of a new box trainer-related tracking device: the TrEndo. Surg Endosc 2012; 26:2346-52. [PMID: 22350239 PMCID: PMC3392508 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-012-2187-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2011] [Accepted: 01/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Background There is an increasing demand for structured objective ex vivo training and assessment of laparoscopic psychomotor skills prior to implementation of these skills in practice. The aim of this study was to establish the internal validity of the TrEndo, a motion-tracking device, for implementation on a laparoscopic box trainer. Methods Face validity and content validity were addressed through a structured questionnaire. To assess construct validity, participants were divided into an expert group and a novice group and performed two basic laparoscopic tasks. The TrEndo recorded five motion analysis parameters (MAPs) and time. Results Participants demonstrated a high regard for face and content validity. All recorded MAPs differed significantly between experts and novices after performing a square knot. Overall, the TrEndo correctly assigned group membership in 84.7 and 95.7% of cases based on two laparoscopic tasks. Conclusion Face, content, and construct validities of the TrEndo were established. The TrEndo holds real potential as a (home) training device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter J van Empel
- Department of Surgery, VU University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Pagador JB, Sánchez-Margallo FM, Sánchez-Peralta LF, Sánchez-Margallo JA, Moyano-Cuevas JL, Enciso-Sanz S, Usón-Gargallo J, Moreno J. Decomposition and analysis of laparoscopic suturing task using tool-motion analysis (TMA): improving the objective assessment. Int J Comput Assist Radiol Surg 2011; 7:305-13. [DOI: 10.1007/s11548-011-0650-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2011] [Accepted: 08/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Sánchez-Peralta LF, Sánchez-Margallo FM, Moyano-Cuevas JL, Pagador JB, Enciso-Sanz S, Sánchez-González P, Gómez-Aguilera EJ, Usón-Gargallo J. Construct and face validity of SINERGIA laparoscopic virtual reality simulator. Int J Comput Assist Radiol Surg 2010; 5:307-15. [PMID: 20422300 DOI: 10.1007/s11548-010-0425-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2010] [Accepted: 04/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Laparoscopic techniques have nowadays become a gold standard in many surgical procedures, but they imply a more difficult learning skills process. Simulators have a fundamental role in the formative stage of new surgeons. This paper presents the construct and face validity of SINERGIA laparoscopic virtual reality simulator in order to decide whether it can be considered as an assessment tool. METHODS Twenty people participated in this study, 14 were novices and 6 were experts. Five tasks of SINERGIA were included in the study: coordination, navigation, navigation and touch, precise grasping and coordinate traction. For each one of these tasks, a certain number of metrics are automatically recorded. All subjects accomplished each task only once and filled in two questionnaires. A statistical analysis was made and results from both groups were compared with the Mann-Whitney U-test, considering significant differences when P < or = 0.05. Internal consistency of the system has been analyzed with the Cronbach's alpha test. RESULTS Novices and experts positively rated SINERGIA characteristics. At least one of the evaluated metrics of each exercise presented significant differences between both groups. Nevertheless, all metrics under study gave a better punctuation to the executions accomplished by experts (lower time, higher efficiency, fewer errors. . .) than to those made by novices. CONCLUSION SINERGIA laparoscopic virtual reality simulator is able to discriminate subjects according to their level of experience in laparoscopic surgery; therefore, it can be used within a training program as an assessment tool.
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