Percutaneous renal access training: content validation comparison between a live porcine and a virtual reality (VR)...

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Education
• Medical Simulation

Background:

• Percutaneous renal access (PRA) is a critical urological procedure.
• Effective training models are essential for developing proficiency in PRA.
• Comparing the realism and utility of different training modalities is crucial for optimizing surgical education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the content validity, specifically realism and usefulness, of a live porcine model versus a high-fidelity computer-based simulator (PERC Mentor) for percutaneous renal access (PRA) training.
• To determine the more appropriate and effective training model for PRA skills acquisition.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-four experts performed PRA on both a live anesthetized porcine model and the PERC Mentor simulator.
• Procedures were guided by fluoroscopy, using standard equipment.
• Participants rated both models on realism (10 items) and usefulness (3 items) using a 5-point Likert scale.

Main Results:

• The porcine model was rated significantly higher for overall realism, kidney movement, tactile feedback, fluoroscopic realism, and complication encounters.
• The PERC Mentor was superior for orientation, aspiration, repetitive performance, and organizational feasibility.
• Overall usefulness and utility as a training tool were similar, but the porcine model was a better assessment tool.

Conclusions:

• Both live porcine models and the PERC Mentor simulator offer distinct advantages and disadvantages for PRA training.
• The porcine model provides superior realism for assessment, while the simulator offers benefits in repetitive tasking and logistical feasibility.
• Overall usefulness as a training tool was comparable between the two models.