The Effect of Virtual Simulation Training in Mastoidectomy

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Medical Education; User-Computer Interface; Motor Skills; Clinical Skills; Temporal Bone
• Interventions: Other: Virtual simulation training

• Registration Number: NCT02030873
• Lead Sponsor: Rigshospitalet, Denmark

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of virtual simulation training on mastoidectomy dissection performance of otorhinolaryngology trainees, to explore performance assessment using a final-product analysis approach and to explore the role of cognitive load.

Detailed Description

Traditional dissection training in temporal bone surgery is not evidence-based yet gold standard. In the recent years the Visible Ear Simulator has been used as an introduction to mastoidectomy in the Danish temporal bone course curriculum before letting the participants move on to dissection training in order to maximize the yield from the dissection training. Instructors have the impression that participants perform better in dissection after the simulator training session has been introduced. Our pilot study suggests that participants perform better in the simulator compared to traditional dissection training. This could be due to a reduction of the cognitive load in the virtual simulator.

These observations lead to the hypothesis that virtual simulation training of mastoidectomy provides an effect that improves performance in traditional dissection training.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2014-01
• Study First Submitted: 2014-01-02
• Study First Submitted QC: 2014-01-07
• Study First Posted: 2014-01-09
• Primary Completion: 2015-01
• Study Completion: 2015-01
• Status Verified: 2015-05
• Last Update Submitted: 2015-05-04
• Last Update Posted: 2015-05-05

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 40

Inclusion Criteria

• Resident in otorhinolaryngology postgraduate year 2-5
• Informed written consent

Exclusion Criteria

• Previous participation in formal mastoidectomy training in a virtual simulator

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: CROSSOVER

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Virtual simulation training first	Virtual simulation training	Participants in this arm receive virtual simulation training before dissection training.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in Final Product Assessment Score	3 hours	Mastoidectomy final product assessment score using a modified Welling Scale for performance assessment

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in simulator metrics	3 hours	Integrated simulator metrics including volume drilled (inside+outside target volumes), collisions with vital structures in simulation and time.
Change in reaction time	3 hours	Reaction time to a visual or auditory cue (in ms)
Simulation experience	At recruitment	Background data from a questionnaire including questions on prior simulation training and experience
Demographics	At recruitment	Background data from a questionnaire on participant demographics.
Computer skills	At recruitment	Background data from a questionnaire on experience and interests in computers and IT

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Rigshospitalet; 🇩🇰 Copenhagen, Denmark