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Face validity of a Wii U video game for training basic laparoscopic skills
Maarten B Jalink1, Jetse Goris2, Erik Heineman1
1Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
American Journal of Surgery
|February 18, 2015
Summary
This study found that the "Underground" video game and its custom hardware are valid tools for training basic laparoscopic skills. Surgeons rated the training tool highly, indicating its potential for surgical education.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Education
- Medical Simulation
- Video Game Technology
Background:
- Video games show potential for improving basic laparoscopic skills.
- Existing surgical training lacks integration of effective video game-based tools.
- This study evaluates a novel video game and hardware for surgical skill development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the face validity and usefulness of the "Underground" video game and custom hardware.
- To determine the potential of this simulation for training basic laparoscopic skills.
Main Methods:
- 72 laparoscopic surgeons participated after a demo at Chirurgendagen 2013 and SAGES 2014.
- Participants completed a questionnaire evaluating the training tool.
Main Results:
- Hardware realism scored a mean of 7.2/10.
- Usefulness as a training tool scored a high mean of 8.4/10.
- Participants accepted the virtual workspace but noted a lack of tactile feedback.
Conclusions:
- The "Underground" video game and its hardware demonstrate face validity for training basic laparoscopic skills.
- The simulation is considered a useful training tool by laparoscopic surgeons.
