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The feasibility and efficacy of robotic surgical simulation in a residency training program

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of robotic simulator training on real-time resident surgical performance.

Study Design:

Residents at PGY levels 2-4 were assigned to two groups: Group 1: Those receiving a preexisting, “standard” intraoperative robotic surgical training curriculum, and Group 2: Those undergoing simulation training. Group 1 participants were videotaped performing robotic assisted vaginal cuff closure and scored based on time to completion, number of arm interactions, inadvertent energy activation, needle drops, and frequency of off screen arm movements. Group 2 participants completed 6 assigned simulator tasks to 90% proficiency, and were then videotaped and scored on their cuff closure within 2 weeks. . PGY 1 residents were analyzed on the number of simulator sessions required to gain a score of 90% on the 6 dedicated simulator tasks. Standard t-test and descriptive statistics were used to compare groups.

Results:

Twenty-three residents were eligible for evaluation. Twelve are undergoing simulator training and have not yet completed intraoperative assessment. Four residents to date have had no simulator training and intraoperative assessment. Mean time for cuff closure was 9:26, with an average of .25 needle drops, 2 arm interactions and 2.5 off-screen movements per closure. Mean time to 90% proficiency for the 5 interns trained was 1.5 hours, and 2.5 attempts per module.

Conclusions:

Dedicated simulation training appears feasible. Interim efficacy data will be presented at the poster session.

Topics: 2013, Faculty, Residency Director, Practice-Based Learning & Improvement, Assessment, Simulation, Minimally Invasive Surgery,