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Virtually Competent: A Comparative Analysis of Virtual Reality and Dry-Lab Robotic Simulation Training
Nicholas Raison1, Andrea Gavazzi2, Takashige Abe1,3
1Division of Transplantation Immunology and Mucosal Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, MRC Centre for Transplantation, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
Journal of Endourology
|January 25, 2020
Summary
Dry-lab simulation training demonstrated superior improvement in robotic surgical skills compared to virtual reality (VR) simulation for novices. Dry-lab training is recommended as a principal component for robotic surgical training curricula.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Education
- Medical Simulation
- Robotic Surgery
Background:
- Virtual reality (VR) and dry-lab simulation are established methods for robotic surgical training.
- Comparative effectiveness data between VR and dry-lab simulation for basic robotic skills is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) simulation versus dry-lab simulation for foundational robotic surgical skill acquisition.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 43 novices in robotic surgery across two centers.
- Participants were randomized to either VR or dry-lab simulation training.
- Technical proficiency was assessed using the Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS) tool after training.
Main Results:
- Both VR and dry-lab simulation significantly improved technical proficiency.
- Dry-lab training resulted in significantly greater GEARS score improvements than VR simulation after the third session.
- Participant feedback indicated high ratings for both training modalities.
Conclusions:
- Both VR and dry-lab simulation are effective for robotic surgical skill development.
- Dry-lab simulation appears superior to VR for enhancing advanced robotic surgical skills.
- Dry-lab training should remain a core element of robotic surgical simulation curricula.
