Simulation Training, Laparoscopy Clinical Trial
Official title:
A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Virtual Reality Simulation Training and Box Trainer on the Acquisition of Laparoscopic Suturing Skills
This is prospective randomized controlled study to compare the proficiency of novices in acquiring laparoscopic suturing skills following either training in a virtual reality simulator or box trainer.
Participants will be randomized into three groups by computer-generated sequence to the
virtual reality simulator, box trainer and control groups. They will be shown a video
demonstration and given simple instructions on laparoscopic suturing and intracorporeal knot
tying at the beginning of the training. Both the virtual reality simulator and box trainer
groups will be allowed a maximum of 4 hours of training (2 sessions of 2 hours each). The
participants could terminate training at any time point during the 4-hour if they felt
competent to perform the task.The control group will not receive any further training.
They will then be asked to perform laparoscopic suturing (which would involve needle loading
and insertion via 2 pre-marked circles, and knot tying which includes at least 2 single
throws) on a box trainer. Participants will be asked to complete a modified GOALS
questionnaire at the end (which will take around 5 minutes) to evaluate their experiences
and assess their own proficiency. The procedure will also be recorded (with a number
identifying the participant only) and assessment will be performed when the study is
completed by 2 experienced laparoscopic gynecologists blinded to the participants who will
review the recorded procedure. The time to complete each task, total procedural time and
proficiency will be assessed, which will be compared against the participants' own
evaluation.
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Allocation: Randomized, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Single Blind (Outcomes Assessor)