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A randomised trial of observational learning from 2D and 3D models in robotically assisted surgery
David J Harris1, Samuel J Vine1, Mark R Wilson1
1Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
Surgical Endoscopy
|May 16, 2018
Summary
Three-dimensional (3D) viewing did not improve surgical skill acquisition for novices learning through observation compared to two-dimensional (2D) viewing. Task goals, not 3D depth, were more critical for learning robotic surgery.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Technology
- Human Factors in Medicine
Background:
- Advancements in 3D technology enable stereoscopic viewing in robotic surgery and simulators.
- The impact of 3D viewing on observational skill acquisition in surgery remains unclear.
- Observational learning is a key component of surgical skills training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if 3D viewing offers learning benefits for novices in robotically assisted surgical tasks.
- To compare skill acquisition between 2D and 3D observational learning groups.
- To assess the role of depth perception in surgical training.
Main Methods:
- 90 medical students were randomized into 2D observation, 3D observation, or no observation control groups.
- Participants observed a surgeon performing a task on the daVinci S robotic system.
- Performance and instrument movement were assessed immediately post-observation and at one-week retention.
Main Results:
- Both 2D and 3D observation groups showed improved performance over the control group (p < 0.05).
- No significant difference in performance or movement parameters was found between the 2D and 3D groups.
- Learning gains were comparable regardless of viewing dimension.
Conclusions:
- 3D viewing offers limited utility for novice surgical skill acquisition through observation.
- Task constraints and objectives appear more crucial for learning than 3D spatial information.
- While 3D may aid surgical performance, it does not enhance observational learning for novices.
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