Integrate virtual reality training as an adjunct into surgical training curricula for junior trainees¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 7 claims (6 for, 1 against) · 3 studies (2 review, 1 quant-synthesis), q2–q3 · 0 of 3 report an effect size · 7 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The article concludes that virtual reality training could provide a useful training adjunct to integrate into surgical training curricula, based on its meta-analysis showing improved OSATS scores and reduced operating time versus no additional training. It notes VRT "can be delivered without direct trainer supervision, utilizing the VR systems feedback and metrics", offering self-directed practice outside the operating theatre with fewer safety and staffing implications. The recommendation is framed for junior surgical trainees learning laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Access to a VR laparoscopic simulation system; the article notes the cost of VR systems is often cited as a barrier to implementation

Constraints¶

• The article states it is not possible to conclude direct translation to routine clinical practice from research settings, and conclusions are limited by methodological heterogeneity

Target Learners¶

• Junior surgical trainees (medical students, foundation trainees, core trainees, registrars and residents)

Target Learning Goals¶

• Technical skills and operative performance in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Claims¶

• Virtual reality training improves economy-of-movement and error global rating scores compared with no additional training in one RCT [+W]
• Virtual reality training improves OSATS scores compared with no additional training for junior trainees in laparoscopic cholecystectomy [+M]
• Virtual reality training shows no significant improvement in total GOALS scores or GOALS domains compared with no additional training [-W]
• Virtual reality training reduces intraoperative error counts compared with no additional training in laparoscopic cholecystectomy [+M]
• Virtual reality training reduces time to completion of laparoscopic cholecystectomy tasks compared with no additional training [+W]
• Adjunctive VR classroom training produces higher validated robotic skills scores than self-directed simulator learning alone in novice trainees [+W]
• In thyroid surgery training, simulation and virtual-reality training improved technical performance and task completion time, and simulators were rated as realistic [+W]

Related Strategies¶

• Incorporate VR-based simulation training into spine surgery residency curricula as an adjunct to traditional methods

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Humm Gemma; Mohan Helen Peter; Fleming Christina; Harries Rhiannon; Wood Christopher; Dawas Khaled; Stoyanov Danail; Lovat Laurence B. (2022). The impact of virtual reality simulation training on operative performance in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. BJS Open. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsopen/zrac086