Decentralized virtual reality mastoidectomy simulation training: a prospective, mixed-methods study

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Medical Simulation
• Otorhinolaryngology

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) training enhances surgical skills, particularly mastoidectomy.
• Distributed practice in VR simulation is effective but faces barriers due to facility centralization.
• Decentralized training models offer a potential solution to overcome implementation challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility, utilization, and barriers of decentralized VR mastoidectomy training.
• To evaluate a freeware, high-fidelity temporal bone simulator for this purpose.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, mixed-methods study involving 20 otorhinolaryngology residents.
• Three months of local access to a VR mastoidectomy simulator with learning supports.
• Data collection via questionnaires and thematic analysis of focus group interviews.

Main Results:

• Participants trained a total of 48.5 hours, primarily near the trial's end.
• Most participants utilized 2-4 learning supports.
• Key themes identified: convenience, training time, ease of use, evidence, and testing.

Conclusions:

• Decentralized VR mastoidectomy training is feasible but did not achieve high training volume or distributed practice.
• Motivational factors include perceived evidence for training, access, educational design, and the role of testing.
• Further evaluation is needed to optimize decentralized simulation training models.