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A Computerized Functional Skills Assessment and Training Program Targeting Technology Based Everyday Functional Skills
Published on: February 13, 2020
Robotic objective structured assessment of technical skills: a randomized multicenter dry laboratory training pilot
Megan Elizabeth Tarr1, Colleen Rivard, Amy E Petzel
1From the *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Urology, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; †Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN; ‡Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, §Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; ∥Department of Urology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; ¶Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Sciences University Medical Center, Portland, OR; and #Department of Preventative Medicine and Epidemiology, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.
A robotic dry laboratory curriculum improved residents' basic robotic skills. While structured training offered faster task completion, unstructured training yielded better knot-tying scores, indicating varied skill development.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Simulation
- Robotic Surgery Training
Background:
- Robotic surgery is increasingly prevalent in gynecology and urology.
- Standardized training is crucial for developing proficiency in robotic surgical techniques.
- A dry laboratory curriculum offers a controlled environment for skill acquisition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a robotic dry laboratory curriculum for gynecology and urology residents.
- To assess improvements in basic robotic surgical skills after curriculum participation.
Main Methods:
- 165 residents from 8 programs were enrolled and randomized into structured or unstructured training groups.
- Residents practiced 4 robotic tasks for 15 minutes twice monthly over 7 months.
- Pre- and post-training assessments measured errors, completion time, and technical skill ratings.
Main Results:
- 99 residents completed the study, with a mean of 4 training sessions reported.
- The structured group showed faster post-training times on the transection task.
- The unstructured group achieved higher post-training scores on the knot-tying task.
Conclusions:
- The dry laboratory curriculum enhanced residents' overall robotic surgical skills.
- Implementation challenges include robotic availability, duty hour limitations, and clinical demands.
- Further optimization of training protocols may be necessary.
