Development of a proficiency-based virtual reality simulation training curriculum for laparoscopic appendicectomy.

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Medical Simulation
• Virtual Reality

Background:

• Proficiency-based virtual reality (VR) training enhances intraoperative performance.
• No VR training curricula currently exist for laparoscopic appendicectomy (LA).
• This study aimed to develop an evidence-based LA training curriculum.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a VR training curriculum for laparoscopic appendicectomy (LA).
• To assess the construct, face, and content validity of the VR LA model.
• To establish proficiency benchmarks for LA using VR simulation.

Main Methods:

• Experienced, intermediate, and inexperienced surgeons performed LA tasks on a VR simulator.
• Simulator metrics assessed construct validity and learning curves.
• Proficiency benchmarks were defined by experienced surgeons' performance.

Main Results:

• The VR LA model was deemed realistic and representative of actual practice by 89-95% of surgeons.
• Guided modules showed construct validity (P < 0.05), with learning curves plateauing.
• Unguided modules demonstrated construct validity for economy of motion and task time across experience levels (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

• A validated VR LA model serves as an effective training and assessment tool.
• The first evidence-based, internationally applicable VR training curriculum for LA was constructed.
• This curriculum facilitates skill acquisition to proficiency in laparoscopic appendicectomy.