Benjamin De Witte1, Charles Barnouin2, Richard Moreau2, Arnaud Lelevé3, Xavier Martin4,5, Christian Collet1, Nady Hoyek1. 1. Inter-University Laboratory of Human Movement Science (EA 7424), Univ Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 27-29 Boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, 69622, Villeurbanne Cedex, France. 2. INSA Lyon, Ampère (UMR5005), Univ Lyon, 25 av. Jean Capelle ouest, 69621, Villeurbanne Cedex, France. 3. INSA Lyon, Ampère (UMR5005), Univ Lyon, 25 av. Jean Capelle ouest, 69621, Villeurbanne Cedex, France. arnaud.leleve@insa-lyon.fr. 4. Faculty of Medicine, Surgery School, Univ Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 8 Avenue Rockefeller, 69003, Lyon, France. 5. Service d'Urologie et de chirurgie de la Transplantation, Hôpital Édouard Herriot, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 5 Place d'Arsonval, 69003, Lyon, France.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There is a general agreement upon the importance of acquiring laparoscopic skills outside the operation room through simulation-based training. However, high-fidelity simulators are cost-prohibitive and elicit a high cognitive load, while low-fidelity simulators lack effective feedback. This paper describes a low-fidelity simulator bridging the existing gaps with affine velocity as a new assessment variable. Primary validation results are also presented. METHODS: Psycho-motor skills and engineering key features have been considered e.g. haptic feedback and complementary assessment variables. Seventy-seven participants tested the simulator (17 expert surgeons, 12 intermediates, 28 inexperienced interns, and 20 novices). The content validity was tested with a 10-point Likert scale and the discriminative power by comparing the four groups' performance over two sessions. RESULTS: Participants rated the simulator positively, from 7.25 to 7.72 out of 10 (mean, 7.57). Experts and intermediates performed faster with fewer errors (collisions) than inexperienced interns and novices. The affine velocity brought additional differentiations, especially between interns and novices. CONCLUSION: This affordable haptic simulator makes it possible to learn and train laparoscopic techniques. Self-assessment of basic skills was easily performed with slight additional cost compared to low-fidelity simulators. It could be a good trade-off among the products currently used for surgeons' training.
BACKGROUND: There is a general agreement upon the importance of acquiring laparoscopic skills outside the operation room through simulation-based training. However, high-fidelity simulators are cost-prohibitive and elicit a high cognitive load, while low-fidelity simulators lack effective feedback. This paper describes a low-fidelity simulator bridging the existing gaps with affine velocity as a new assessment variable. Primary validation results are also presented. METHODS: Psycho-motor skills and engineering key features have been considered e.g. haptic feedback and complementary assessment variables. Seventy-seven participants tested the simulator (17 expert surgeons, 12 intermediates, 28 inexperienced interns, and 20 novices). The content validity was tested with a 10-point Likert scale and the discriminative power by comparing the four groups' performance over two sessions. RESULTS:Participants rated the simulator positively, from 7.25 to 7.72 out of 10 (mean, 7.57). Experts and intermediates performed faster with fewer errors (collisions) than inexperienced interns and novices. The affine velocity brought additional differentiations, especially between interns and novices. CONCLUSION: This affordable haptic simulator makes it possible to learn and train laparoscopic techniques. Self-assessment of basic skills was easily performed with slight additional cost compared to low-fidelity simulators. It could be a good trade-off among the products currently used for surgeons' training.