Hybrid augmented reality simulator: preliminary construct validation of laparoscopic smoothness in a urology residency program.

Full Abstract

PURPOSE:
We examined the usefulness, reliability and applicability of the smoothness metric of the ProMIS hybrid simulator (Haptica, Dublin, Ireland) for a urology residency program.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A total of 15 urology residents divided into junior and senior cohorts were followed prospectively for 6 training sessions. Validated McGill Inanimate System for Training and Evaluation of Laparoscopic Skills (MISTELS) laparoscopic tasks were used. The ProMIS hybrid simulator smoothness parameter, a unit-free metric of movement efficiency, was recorded using 3-dimensional visual tracking technology. Results were compared between cohorts at the midpoint and end of the defined training sessions. End of study junior means were also retrospectively compared to senior mid training means. Statistical significance was determined using the Mann-Whitney U test (alpha = 0.05).

RESULTS:
Statistically significant differences between 8 junior and 7 senior cohorts were measured in all MISTELS tasks. A statistically significant performance variation was also detected at the mid and end testing times. When juniors and seniors were compared between sessions 1 and 3, and 4 and 6, statistically significant performance improvements were noted. Lastly, statistical differences were also maintained when mid session senior means were compared to end of session junior means. A 38% improvement in task completion in the senior cohort as well as a 10-fold decrease in variance was observed compared to a 12% improvement in juniors, indicating greater efficiency of movement in seniors.

CONCLUSIONS:
The laparoscopic smoothness metric in the hybrid simulator demonstrated construct validity by effectively differentiating between experienced and novice urology residents using validated MISTELS tasks. The outcome suggests that the hybrid simulator smoothness metric is a valuable asset in residency programs for preparatory training for live operative experience, allowing improved trainee assessment.

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Author information

Author/s: Feifer, Andrew (A); Delisle, Josee (J); Anidjar, Maurice (M);

Affiliation: Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Bernstein Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: The Journal of urology (J Urol), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Oct; vol 180 (issue 4) : pp 1455-9

Dates: Created 2008/09/12; Completed 2008/09/30;

PMID: 18710760, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Humans
Internship and Residency
Laparoscopy - methods
Male
Sensitivity and Specificity
Software Validation
Statistics, Nonparametric
Task Performance and Analysis
Urology - education; organization & administration

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