TY - JOUR

T1 - Virtual reality training versus blended learning of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

T2 - a randomized controlled trial with laparoscopic novices

AU - Nickel, Felix

AU - Brzoska, Julia Anja

AU - Gondan, Matthias

AU - Rangnick, Henriette Maria

AU - Chu, Jackson

AU - Kenngott, Hannes Götz

AU - Linke, Georg Richard

AU - Kadmon, Martina

AU - Fischer, Lars

AU - Müller-Stich, Beat Peter

PY - 2015

Y1 - 2015

N2 - Objective: This study compared virtual reality (VR) training with low cost blended learning (BL) in a structured training program. Background: Training of laparoscopic skills outside the operating room is mandatory to reduce operative times and risks. Methods: Laparoscopy-naïve medical students were randomized in two groups stratified for gender. The BL group (n = 42) used E-learning for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and practiced basic skills with box trainers. The VR group (n = 42) trained basic skills and LC on the LAP Mentor II (Simbionix, Cleveland, USA). Each group trained 3×4 hours followed by a knowledge test concerning LC. Blinded raters assessed the operative performance of cadaveric porcine LC using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS). The LC was discontinued when it was not completed within 80 minutes. Students evaluated their training modality with questionnaires. Results: The VR group completed the LC significantly faster and more often within 80 min than BL (45% vs. 21%, p = .02). The BL group scored higher than the VR group in the knowledge test (13.3 ± 1.3 vs. 11.0 ± 1.7, p < .001). Both groups showed equal operative performance of LC in the OSATS score (49.4 ± 10.5 vs. 49.7 ± 12.0, p = .90). Students generally liked training and felt well prepared for assisting in laparoscopic surgery. The efficiency of the training was judged higher by the VR group than by the BL group. Discussion: VR and BL can both be applied for training the basics of LC. Multimodality training programs should be developed that combine the advantages of both approaches.

AB - Objective: This study compared virtual reality (VR) training with low cost blended learning (BL) in a structured training program. Background: Training of laparoscopic skills outside the operating room is mandatory to reduce operative times and risks. Methods: Laparoscopy-naïve medical students were randomized in two groups stratified for gender. The BL group (n = 42) used E-learning for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and practiced basic skills with box trainers. The VR group (n = 42) trained basic skills and LC on the LAP Mentor II (Simbionix, Cleveland, USA). Each group trained 3×4 hours followed by a knowledge test concerning LC. Blinded raters assessed the operative performance of cadaveric porcine LC using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS). The LC was discontinued when it was not completed within 80 minutes. Students evaluated their training modality with questionnaires. Results: The VR group completed the LC significantly faster and more often within 80 min than BL (45% vs. 21%, p = .02). The BL group scored higher than the VR group in the knowledge test (13.3 ± 1.3 vs. 11.0 ± 1.7, p < .001). Both groups showed equal operative performance of LC in the OSATS score (49.4 ± 10.5 vs. 49.7 ± 12.0, p = .90). Students generally liked training and felt well prepared for assisting in laparoscopic surgery. The efficiency of the training was judged higher by the VR group than by the BL group. Discussion: VR and BL can both be applied for training the basics of LC. Multimodality training programs should be developed that combine the advantages of both approaches.

U2 - 10.1097/MD.0000000000000764

DO - 10.1097/MD.0000000000000764

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 25997044

VL - 94

SP - 1

EP - 8

JO - Medicine (Baltimore)

JF - Medicine (Baltimore)

SN - 0025-7974

IS - 20

M1 - e764

ER -