The Womens' Centre, Gloucestershire Hospital, Great Western Road, Gloucestershire GL1 3NN, UK; Research into Safety and Quality (RiSQ), Southmead Hospital, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK.
Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2013 Oct;170(2):474-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2013.07.003. Epub 2013 Aug 8.
Virtual-reality (VR) training has been demonstrated to improve laparoscopic surgical skills in the operating theatre. The incorporation of laparoscopic VR simulation into surgical training in gynaecology remains a significant educational challenge. We undertook a pilot study to assess the feasibility of the implementation of a laparoscopic VR simulation programme into a single unit.
An observational study with qualitative analysis of semi-structured group interviews. Trainees in gynaecology (n=9) were scheduled to undertake a pre-validated structured training programme on a laparoscopic VR simulator (LapSim(®)) over six months. The main outcome measure was the trainees' progress through the training modules in six months. Trainees' perceptions of the feasibility and barriers to the implementation of laparoscopic VR training were assessed in focus groups after training.
Sixty-six percent of participants completed six of ten modules. Overall, feedback from the focus groups was positive; trainees felt training improved their dexterity, hand-eye co-ordination and confidence in theatre. Negative aspects included lack of haptic feedback, and facility for laparoscopic port placement training. Time restriction emerged as the main barrier to training.
Despite positive perceptions of training, no trainee completed more than two-thirds of the modules of a self-directed laparoscopic VR training programme. Suggested improvements to the integration of future laparoscopic VR training include an additional theoretical component with a fuller understanding of benefits of VR training, and scheduled supervision. Ultimately, the success of a laparoscopic VR simulation training programme might only be improved if it is a mandatory component of the curriculum, together with dedicated time for training. Future multi-centred implementation studies of validated laparoscopic VR curricula are required.
虚拟现实 (VR) 培训已被证明可提高手术室腹腔镜手术技能。将腹腔镜 VR 模拟纳入妇科手术培训仍然是一个重大的教育挑战。我们进行了一项试点研究，以评估在一个单位实施腹腔镜 VR 模拟计划的可行性。
一项观察性研究，对半结构化小组访谈进行定性分析。妇科受训者（n=9）计划在六个月内完成腹腔镜 VR 模拟器（LapSim(®)）上的预先验证的结构化培训计划。主要观察指标是受训者在六个月内通过培训模块的进展。培训后，在焦点小组中评估受训者对腹腔镜 VR 培训的实施的可行性和障碍的看法。
66%的参与者完成了十个模块中的六个。总体而言，焦点小组的反馈是积极的；受训者认为培训提高了他们的灵巧性、手眼协调能力和在手术室的信心。负面方面包括缺乏触觉反馈和腹腔镜端口放置训练的便利性。时间限制成为培训的主要障碍。
尽管对培训的看法是积极的，但没有一个受训者完成了超过三分之二的自我指导腹腔镜 VR 培训计划的模块。对未来腹腔镜 VR 培训整合的建议改进包括增加对 VR 培训益处的更全面理解的理论组成部分，以及有计划的监督。最终，如果腹腔镜 VR 模拟培训计划是课程的强制性组成部分，并为培训分配专门时间，那么它的成功可能会得到提高。需要开展多中心实施验证后的腹腔镜 VR 课程的未来研究。
