Virtual reality simulation training for health professions trainees in gastrointestinal endoscopy

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Traditional gastrointestinal endoscopy training relies on the apprenticeship model.
• Patient safety concerns highlight the need for simulation-based training.
• The effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) gastrointestinal endoscopy simulators requires clear demonstration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if VR simulation training can supplement or replace early conventional endoscopy training for health professions trainees.
• Focus on diagnostic oesophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy for novices.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of randomized and quasi-randomized trials.
• Searched multiple health, education, and computer databases up to November 2011.
• Included trials comparing VR simulation with conventional training, no training, or other simulation methods, measuring outcomes in humans.

Main Results:

• Thirteen trials with 278 participants were included.
• VR simulation showed advantages over no training in competency, performance, and visualization.
• No conclusive evidence supported VR simulation's superiority over conventional patient-based training due to limited data.

Conclusions:

• VR endoscopy training can effectively supplement early conventional training for novice endoscopists.
• Insufficient evidence exists to support VR simulation as a replacement for early conventional training.
• Further high-quality randomized clinical trials are needed, alongside development of valid performance measures.