Cold-start capability in virtual-reality laparoscopic camera navigation: a base for tailored training in...

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Medical Simulation
• Laparoscopic Surgery

Background:

• Medical students often operate laparoscopic cameras during procedures.
• Research on camera navigation skills in medical students is limited.
• Virtual-reality laparoscopic camera navigation (VR-LCN) is a key skill.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify personal characteristics influencing VR-LCN performance in novice medical students.
• To evaluate factors affecting virtual-reality laparoscopic camera navigation skills.

Main Methods:

• Prospective enrollment of 488 first-time VR-LCN users.
• Assessment of VR-LCN performance with 0° and 30° angled laparoscopes.
• Correlation of performance scores with demographics and self-assessment via univariate and multivariate analyses.

Main Results:

• Six variables initially correlated with better VR-LCN performance.
• Multivariate analysis identified male gender (OR 2.3) and higher self-confidence (OR 1.7) as significant predictors for 30° angled VR-LCN.
• These factors were associated with improved camera navigation outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Medical students' self-confidence and male gender predict better initial VR-LCN performance.
• Findings suggest potential for targeted educational strategies.
• These predictors may inform training for laparoscopic camera operation.