Training on a new, portable, simple simulator transfers to performance of complex bronchoscopy procedures

Virtual-reality (VR) simulation provides a safe and effective learning environment prior to practicing on patients. However, existing bronchoscopy simulators are expensive and not easily portable.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of self-directed training on a new, portable, simple simulator measured by transfer of skills to performance of more complex bronchoscopy procedures on an advanced VR simulator.

Twenty medical students participated in the study. After a general introduction to bronchoscopy, they were randomised into two groups, receiving either self-directed bronchoscopy training using a portable, simple simulator or no manual training. Subsequently, all participants were tested on complex scenarios in an advanced VR simulator using a validated bronchoscopy quality test. Bronchoscopy quality scores were compared using independent samples t-test and correlated with a previously established pass-fail standard.

The intervention group spent an average of 71-min training on the new simulator. The intervention group performed significantly better than the control group, mean bronchoscopy quality score 0.55 [standard deviation (SD) 0.16] vs 0.36 (SD 0.10), P = 0.005, effect size = 1.47. Eight out of 10 participants in the intervention group passed the test compared with only 1 out of 10 in the control group.

The effect of a brief, self-directed training session using a portable, simple simulator was substantial and transferred to performance of more complex skills.