Training novice robot surgeons: Proctoring provides same results as simulator-generated guidance

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation
• Robotics

Background:

• Acquiring dexterity skills is crucial for novice surgeons learning robot-assisted surgery (RAS).
• Virtual reality (VR) simulators offer a safe environment for surgical training.
• Different guidance methods, including proctored and simulator-generated guidance (SGG), are explored to enhance skill acquisition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the influence of proctored guidance versus SGG on novice surgeons' dexterity skill acquisition in RAS.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of different guidance methods during VR simulator training for RAS.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, non-blinded, 3-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 70 medical students and residents.
• Participants were assigned to proctored guidance, SGG, or no guidance groups for VR simulator training.
• Dexterity skills and participant satisfaction were assessed using questionnaires and simulator performance metrics.

Main Results:

• All participants demonstrated significant improvement in dexterity skills after VR simulator training.
• No significant differences in surgical skill improvement were observed between the three intervention groups.
• The proctored guidance group reported higher participant satisfaction than the SGG group.

Conclusions:

• Novice surgeons can significantly enhance RAS dexterity skills through VR simulator practice alone.
• Human proctoring may have a limited impact on dexterity skill improvement in early-stage RAS simulation training.
• Exposure to the robotic surgery simulator may be sufficient for initial dexterity skill gains in RAS learning.