ProMIS augmented reality training of laparoscopic procedures face validity

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education Technology
• Medical Simulation
• Augmented Reality in Medicine

Background:

• Conventional laparoscopic trainers lack objective assessment capabilities, while virtual reality simulations often miss realistic haptic feedback.
• The ProMIS augmented reality (AR) simulator integrates original laparoscopic instruments and tactile tasks, bridging this gap.
• ProMIS provides objective performance metrics, enhancing traditional training methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the face validity and utility of the ProMIS AR laparoscopic simulator.
• To assess trainee perceptions of realism, haptics, and didactic value.
• To determine ProMIS's effectiveness for basic skills and suturing/knot-tying tasks.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-five participants (27 experienced, 28 moderately experienced) performed basic skills and suturing/knot-tying tasks on ProMIS.
• Participants completed a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire on realism, haptics, and didactic value.
• Experience levels were defined by the number of procedures and sutures performed.

Main Results:

• A strong consensus confirmed ProMIS as a valuable training tool (mean score: 4.67/5).
• Participants rated the simulator highly for realism (mean: 4.44/5), haptics (mean: 4.10/5), and didactic value (mean: 4.10/5).
• Experienced participants particularly endorsed the simulator's utility.

Conclusions:

• The ProMIS AR simulator demonstrates face validity for basic laparoscopic skills, suturing, and knot-tying.
• ProMIS is recognized as an effective training tool for surgical residents and surgeons.
• The simulator successfully combines realistic tactile feedback with objective performance measurement.