Virtual reality simulation training in endoscopy: a Cochrane review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation
• Gastroenterology Training

Background:

• Endoscopy training programs are increasingly incorporating simulation.
• Virtual reality (VR) simulation is being explored as a training tool.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the effectiveness of VR simulation training compared to conventional methods for endoscopy trainees.
• To determine if VR simulation can supplement or replace patient-based training.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 18 trials involving 3817 procedures.
• Searched medical, educational, and computer literature databases.
• Cochrane methodology used for data abstraction, analysis, and quality assessment.

Main Results:

• VR training showed advantages over no training in independent procedure completion, performance ratings, and mucosal visualization.
• VR training resulted in fewer independent procedure completions compared to conventional training.
• No significant differences were found between VR and conventional training for most outcomes; VR curricula based in educational theory showed benefit.

Conclusions:

• VR simulation training is advantageous over no training and can supplement conventional endoscopy training.
• Insufficient evidence exists to support VR simulation training replacing conventional patient-based training.
• Structured VR curricula enhance competency scores compared to unstructured ones.