Establishing Learning Curves in Virtual Simulation Training of Mastoidectomy

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Temporal Bone; Clinical Skills; Students; User-Computer Interface; Motor Skills
• Interventions: Other: Tutor function on

• Registration Number: NCT01966185
• Lead Sponsor: Rigshospitalet, Denmark

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to establish learning curves of mastoidectomy training in virtual surgical simulation training, to establish the long-term effect of repeat simulation training and to explore the transfer of skills, the roles of an integrated tutor function, self-directed learning and cognitive load.

Detailed Description

Repeat surgical simulation training is known to provide better learning and long-term transfer. The learning curves for the mastoidectomy procedure have not been intensively studied. The only study conducted on learning curves in mastoidectomy to date found a plateau in performance for 4 medical students after about 4 mastoidectomy procedures on separate occasions. The participants were however assessed using an unvalidated, unestablished simulator integrated overall performance score. There is therefore a need for establishing learning curves and plateau using established objective assessment scales, which could have implications for future studies and on a larger scale for the future organization of temporal bone dissection courses.

The long-term effect on learning of deliberate repeat simulator training of the mastoidectomy procedure has not previously been studied. The role of cognitive load in learning complex surgical technical skills in simulation has not been studied in great detail. The relationship between time and progress/performance assessment using Final Product Analysis (FPA) has not been studied.

We have previously suggested that a tutor-function with volumetric approach with green lighting of the procedural steps could have an effect on performance. The effect of the tutor function could however not be isolated.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2013-10
• Study First Submitted: 2013-10-11
• Study First Submitted QC: 2013-10-16
• Study First Posted: 2013-10-21
• Primary Completion: 2014-11
• Study Completion: 2014-11
• Status Verified: 2015-05
• Last Update Submitted: 2015-05-04
• Last Update Posted: 2015-05-05

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 43

Inclusion Criteria

• medical students
• informed written consent

Exclusion Criteria

• prior training on the Visible Ear Simulator

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Tutor function on	Tutor function on	The group will have the tutor function on for the 5 first out of 12 repeat simulation sessions.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in Final Product Assessment Score	4 months	Mastoidectomy final product assessment score using a modified Welling Scale for performance assessment.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in reaction time	4 months	Reaction time to a visual cue (in ms)
Change in simulator metrics	4 months	Integrated simulator metrics on volume drilled (inside+outside target volumes), collisions with vital structures in simulation, time.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Rigshospitalet; 🇩🇰 Copenhagen, Denmark