Documenting a Learning Curve and Test-retest Reliability of a Virtual Reality Training Simulator in Laparoscopic Surgery

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Education
• Interventions: Other: LapSim training

• Registration Number: NCT00435630
• Lead Sponsor: Columbia University

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine the learning curve for each of seven tasks in a virtual reality laparoscopic simulator by medical students.

Detailed Description

Developing objective methodology for assessing technical skill is paramount to superior surgical training. Alternatives to the traditional apprenticeship model of surgical training are necessary in today's emphasis on cost containment and professional competency.

Metrics are widely employed in virtual environments and provide a yardstick for performance measurement. The current method of defining metrics for medical simulation remains more an art than a science. Many studies have demonstrated that trainees who practice laparoscopic skills in a simulated environment will improve their mastery of those skills when tested in that same environment. Fewer studies have been able to document the learning curve for mastery of tasks in a virtual reality simulator. This study will investigate the learning curve for tasks in a virtual reality laparoscopic simulator.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2004-07
• Primary Completion: 2005-01
• Study First Submitted: 2007-02-14
• Study First Submitted QC: 2007-02-14
• Study First Posted: 2007-02-15
• Study Completion: 2008-08
• Status Verified: 2012-11
• Last Update Submitted: 2012-11-19
• Last Update Posted: 2012-11-21

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 29

Inclusion Criteria

• Medical students, years 1 through 4 are eligible.
• No prior clinical experience with laparoscopic surgery as the assistant surgeon.
• No prior simulation training (mechanical, PC-based or otherwise).

Exclusion Criteria

• Persons who are not medical students.
• Medical students with prior clinical experience with laparoscopic surgery as the assistant surgeon.
• Medical students with prior simulation training (mechanical, PC-based or otherwise).

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
1	LapSim training	Completing simulator training sessions

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Establish learning curve for each of seven tasks on the simulator.	6 months	For each of the module seven modules, the computer automatically measures set parameters. Each measured parameter that is recorded in the simulator will be used in data analysis.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Establish test-retest reliability for each of seven tasks on the simulator.	6 months

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; 🇺🇸 New York, New York, United States