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Effects of a Virtual Pointer on Trainees' Cognitive Load and Communication Efficiency in Surgical Training.
Azin Semsar1, Hannah McGowan1, Yuanyuan Feng1
1University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland, US.
AMIA ... Annual Symposium Proceedings. AMIA Symposium
|April 21, 2020
Summary
This study found that while surgical training systems initially increase cognitive load, they improve communication efficiency. This leads to better integration of instructions and actions, creating a more effective learning environment for trainees.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Surgical Training
Background:
- Surgical training relies on effective communication between trainers and trainees.
- Minimally invasive surgery presents unique challenges for instruction due to limited direct visualization.
- Technology-assisted instruction, such as virtual pointers, is being explored to enhance surgical education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cognitive load experienced by surgical trainees using an instructional system with a virtual pointer.
- To assess the impact of the virtual pointer system on communication efficiency during laparoscopic surgery training.
- To determine if the virtual pointer system improves the integration of instruction with surgical task performance.
Main Methods:
- Trainees underwent laparoscopic surgical training with and without a virtual pointer system.
- Cognitive load was measured using subjective assessments and task performance metrics.
- Communication efficiency was evaluated by observing the simultaneous performance of surgical tasks and attention to trainer instruction.
Main Results:
- Initial use of the virtual pointer system resulted in higher cognitive load compared to traditional methods.
- Cognitive load decreased with repeated exposure to the virtual pointer system.
- Trainees using the system were more likely to concurrently watch/listen to the trainer and perform the surgical task, indicating improved communication.
Conclusions:
- The virtual pointer instructional system, despite a slight initial cognitive overload, enhances communication efficiency in surgical training.
- Improved communication facilitates better integration of knowledge and actions, suggesting a more effective learning environment.
- This technology holds promise for optimizing surgical education by streamlining information transfer and improving skill acquisition.
