An Inexpensive, Portable Physical Endoscopic Simulator: Description and Initial Evaluation.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation
• Gastroenterology Training

Background:

• High cost of traditional endoscopy simulators limits access for surgical and gastroenterology trainees.
• Simulation-based training is crucial for developing fundamental endoscopic skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a low-cost endoscopic simulator and box trainer.
• To assess the effectiveness of the YazanoScope in improving endoscopic skills.

Main Methods:

• A wireless camera ($20) was added to a discarded endoscope, paired with a $32 box trainer to create the YazanoScope system.
• Participants (n=40) trained on 5 fundamental endoscopic skills (FES) tasks to mastery.
• Outcomes included skill assessments on a computer simulator and trainee feedback on haptic feedback.

Main Results:

• 100% of trainees achieved cecal intubation after training, compared to 10% at baseline.
• Procedure completion improved significantly, with no significant change in procedure time.
• All trainees preferred the YazanoScope's haptic feedback over a computer simulator.

Conclusions:

• The inexpensive YazanoScope is an effective tool for endoscopic simulation training.
• The system enhances procedural completion and offers superior haptic feedback at a low cost.
• This portable simulator provides a valuable alternative to expensive traditional simulators.