Design of a Proficiency-Based Skills Training Curriculum for Our Newly Validated 3-Dimensional (3D) Laparoscopic...

Aim: There are presently no courses or training curricula for surgical simulation that include training with 3-Dimensional (3D) laparoscopic platforms. Our aim is to create an expert led design of a proficiency-based skills training curriculum for our newly validated 3D laparoscopic models, using MISTELS compensating speed for precision and accuracy. Method: In this study, 5 tasks were performed by 12 expert surgeons of different specializations on low-cost, portable models designed for 3D display. The competence level for each task was devised by using a target performance time (within the cutoff limit), maximum allowable error score and penalty error score, allowing real time instant scoring and feedback. The results were evaluated by MISTELS scoring system. Results: Out of the 12 experts, the top 3 with the shortest mean time with no errors would be chosen to design a proficiency curriculum. The final aim of developing such curriculum is to shorten learning curve and to improve technical skills of 3D laparoscopy. The curriculum provides a benchmark level for each task, indicating the cutoff and the target performance time, a list of the allowable errors and the number of repetitions. Conclusion: Our future plan is to investigate the cost and effectiveness of the curriculum and to reveal if practice and repetition will lead to mastering 3D skills among novices (medical students and junior doctors).