Effect of distraction on simulated anterior segment surgical performance.

PURPOSE

To determine the effect of distraction on anterior segment surgical performance using a virtual reality simulator in expert and novice surgeons.

SETTING

Horizon Suite Simulation Centre, South Devon Foundation NHS Trust, Devon, England.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

METHODS

Expert and novice ophthalmic surgeons completed a standardized and validated surgical task 10 times on a virtual reality simulator (EyeSi). They then completed a cognitive task (arithmetic questions), after which they completed 10 attempts on the simulator module while also completing the cognitive task.

RESULTS

For experts (n = 7), the distracting cognitive task had no statistically significant effect on operating scores. The rate of correctly answered questions decreased from 12.3 per minute ± 2.1 (SD) while single tasking to 8.6 ± 3.1 per minute while dual tasking (P=.018). For novices (n = 14), the distracting cognitive task had no effect on any operating score except a small reduction in the penalty odometer score. The rate of correctly answered questions decreased from 11.5 ± 4.1 per minute while single tasking to 7.0 ± 3.2 per minute while dual tasking (P=.001).

CONCLUSION

A distractive cognitive task reduced the ability of novice surgeons and expert surgeons to deal with that cognitive task, although their simulated surgical performance was not overtly compromised.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.