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Mastery Learning - does the method of learning make a difference in skills acquisition for robotic surgery?
Karen L Siroen1, Christopher D W Ward1, Abelardo Escoto1
1London Health Sciences Centre, Canadian Surgical Technologies & Advanced Robotics, London, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
This study found no significant differences between blocked and random practice for robotic surgery training, contradicting some educational literature. The random practice group was faster in one specific task.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Education
- Robotic Surgery Training
- Motor Learning
Background:
- Limited research compares blocked vs. random practice in minimally invasive surgery training.
- No prior studies have evaluated these practice conditions in robotic surgery training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of blocked versus random practice conditions in robotic surgery training.
- To assess skill transfer to the da Vinci Surgical System (dVSS).
Main Methods:
- Utilized the dV-Trainer® and da Vinci® Surgical System (dVSS).
- Randomized 42 participants into blocked and random practice groups.
- Participants completed five standardized surgical tasks.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found between blocked and random practice groups overall.
- The random practice group demonstrated significantly faster completion times for the Ring Walk task (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Study findings diverge from established educational literature regarding practice conditions.
- This research represents the first investigation of blocked versus random practice in robotic surgery training.
