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Description and validation of the Pelv-Sim: a training model designed to improve gynecologic minimally invasive
Deborah Arden1, Michele R Hacker, Daniel B Jones
1Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. darden@bidmc.harvard.edu
Study Objective:
To describe and validate the Pelv-Sim trainer, an innovative training model for gynecologic laparoscopic suturing with 4 laparoscopic exercises: closing an open vaginal cuff, transposing an ovary to the pelvic sidewall, ligating an infundibulopelvic ligament, and closing a port-site fascial incision.
Design:
Randomized controlled trial (Canadian Task Force classification I).
Setting:
Academic medical center.
Participants:
Obstetrics and gynecology residents (n = 19) and third-year medical students (n = 10).
Interventions:
To test the Pelv-Sim model for construct validity, all participants were timed as they completed the 4 tasks, and their performances were compared. The residents were then randomized to a study group asked to train with the Pelv-Sim for 1 hour/week for 10 weeks, or to a control group. To evaluate the effectiveness of training with the Pelv-Sim model, both groups of residents were retested at the end of the 10-week study period. Pretraining and posttraining performances were compared within each group.
Measurements And Main Results:
Before the intervention, the residents completed all 4 tasks in significantly less time than the medical students (all p values
Conclusion:
Construct validity was shown for all 4 Pelv-Sim simulation tasks. Resident training improves performance on the vaginal cuff closure and ovary transposition tasks. The Pelv-Sim has the potential to be a valuable tool in laparoscopic training for gynecology residents.
