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Assessing the learning curve for the acquisition of laparoscopic skills on a virtual reality simulator
V Sherman1, L S Feldman, D Stanbridge
1Department of Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, 1650 Cedar Avenue, L9.309 Montreal, Quebec H3G1A4, Canada.
Background:
The aim of this study was to develop summary metrics and assess the construct validity for a virtual reality laparoscopic simulator (LapSim) by comparing the learning curves of three groups with different levels of laparoscopic expertise.
Methods:
Three groups of subjects ('expert', 'junior', and 'naïve') underwent repeated trials on three LapSim tasks. Formulas were developed to calculate scores for efficiency ('time-error') and economy of 'motion' ('motion') using metrics generated by the software after each drill. Data (mean +/- SD) were evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results:
All three groups improved significantly from baseline to final for both 'time-error' and 'motion' scores. There were significant differences between groups in time error performances at baseline and final, due to higher scores in the 'expert' group. A significant difference in 'motion' scores was seen only at baseline.
Conclusion:
We have developed summary metrics for the LapSim that differentiate among levels of laparoscopic experience. This study also provides evidence of construct validity for the LapSim.
