Maya Al-Memar1, Srdjan Saso1, Shabnam Bobdiwala1, Lieveke Ameye2, Sharmistha Guha3, Karen Joash4, Catriona Stalder4, Shyamaly Sur4, Krishen Moorthy5, Dirk Timmerman2, Tom Bourne1,2,4. 1. Division of Surgery and Cancer Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road London W12 0NN UK. 2. Oude Markt 13, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Katholieke Universiteit Leuven 3000 Leuven Belgium. 3. West Middlesex Hospital Twickenham Road Isleworth Middlesex TW7 6AF UK. 4. Queen Charlotte's & Chelsea Hospital Imperial College Du Cane Road London W12 0HS UK. 5. Academic Surgical Unit Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Wing (QEQM) 10th Floor, St Mary's Campus, Praed Street London W2 1NY UK.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The objective was to validate a virtual reality simulation ultrasound model as a tool for training in the use of transvaginal ultrasonography in gynaecology and early pregnancy. METHODS: Three separate groups consisting of novice and intermediate level residents as well as expert ultrasound examiners were recruited to the study. All were asked to answer a questionnaire regarding demographic data and ultrasound experience. They subsequently completed two modules: basic gynaecology and early pregnancy, followed by corresponding assessments using a high-fidelity simulator (Scantrainer; Medaphor™, Cardiff, UK). Finally, the expert group completed an additional questionnaire about various elements of the simulator using a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: Each group consisted of eight participants. Overall, the participants agreed that simulation played a role in training (Novices: 75% (n = 6); Intermediates: 100% (n = 8); Experts: 75% (n = 6)). For the degree of realism of the target objects in the gynaecology and early pregnancy module environments compared to a real-patient environment, the simulator was rated satisfactory or very satisfactory by 88% (n = 7) and 75% (n = 6) of experts, respectively. All experts rated the overall usefulness of the content of the simulator for learning fundamental ultrasound technical skills compared to current training methods to be at least satisfactory. When reviewing the assessment scores, experts scored higher than non-experts in gynaecology (P = 0.002) and early pregnancy modules (P = 0.03). DISCUSSION: Face, content and construct validity were demonstrated by the virtual reality ultrasound simulator, suggesting it may be an effective method for training ultrasound skills in gynaecology and early pregnancy to non-expert residents.
INTRODUCTION: The objective was to validate a virtual reality simulation ultrasound model as a tool for training in the use of transvaginal ultrasonography in gynaecology and early pregnancy. METHODS: Three separate groups consisting of novice and intermediate level residents as well as expert ultrasound examiners were recruited to the study. All were asked to answer a questionnaire regarding demographic data and ultrasound experience. They subsequently completed two modules: basic gynaecology and early pregnancy, followed by corresponding assessments using a high-fidelity simulator (Scantrainer; Medaphor™, Cardiff, UK). Finally, the expert group completed an additional questionnaire about various elements of the simulator using a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: Each group consisted of eight participants. Overall, the participants agreed that simulation played a role in training (Novices: 75% (n = 6); Intermediates: 100% (n = 8); Experts: 75% (n = 6)). For the degree of realism of the target objects in the gynaecology and early pregnancy module environments compared to a real-patient environment, the simulator was rated satisfactory or very satisfactory by 88% (n = 7) and 75% (n = 6) of experts, respectively. All experts rated the overall usefulness of the content of the simulator for learning fundamental ultrasound technical skills compared to current training methods to be at least satisfactory. When reviewing the assessment scores, experts scored higher than non-experts in gynaecology (P = 0.002) and early pregnancy modules (P = 0.03). DISCUSSION: Face, content and construct validity were demonstrated by the virtual reality ultrasound simulator, suggesting it may be an effective method for training ultrasound skills in gynaecology and early pregnancy to non-expert residents.
Authors: Harbir S Sidhu; Babajide O Olubaniyi; Gauraang Bhatnagar; Vivien Shuen; Paul Dubbins Journal: J Ultrasound Med Date: 2012-05 Impact factor: 2.153
Authors: Trystan M Lewis; Rajesh Aggarwal; Richard M Kwasnicki; Niro Rajaretnam; Krishna Moorthy; Ahmed Ahmed; Ara Darzi Journal: Surgery Date: 2012-06 Impact factor: 3.982
Authors: M G Tolsgaard; M B Rasmussen; C Tappert; M Sundler; J L Sorensen; B Ottesen; C Ringsted; A Tabor Journal: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol Date: 2014-03-06 Impact factor: 7.299
Authors: Christy Burden; Jessica Preshaw; Paul White; Timothy J Draycott; Simon Grant; Robert Fox Journal: Simul Healthc Date: 2012-10 Impact factor: 1.929
Authors: M E Madsen; L Konge; L N Nørgaard; A Tabor; C Ringsted; A K Klemmensen; B Ottesen; M G Tolsgaard Journal: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol Date: 2014-11-09 Impact factor: 7.299