Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 18, 2025
Author Spotlight: Learning Systematic Bronchoscopy in a Simulation-Base Setting
Published on: June 23, 2023
Automatic and Objective Assessment of Motor Skills Performance in Flexible Bronchoscopy
Kristoffer Mazanti Cold1, Morten Bo Søndergaard Svendsen2, Uffe Bodtger3,4,5
1Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation (CAMES), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen and the Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark, kristoffer.mazanti.cold@regionh.dk.
Background:
Motor skills have been identified as a useful measure to evaluate competency in bronchoscopy. However, no automatic assessment system of motor skills with a clear pass/fail criterion in flexible bronchoscopy exists.
Objectives:
The objective of the study was to develop an objective and automatic measure of motor skills in bronchoscopy and set a pass/fail criterion.
Methods:
Participants conducted 3 bronchoscopies each in a simulated setting. They were equipped with a Myo Armband that measured lower arm movements through an inertial measurement unit, and hand and finger motions through electromyography sensors. These measures were composed into an objective and automatic composite score of motor skills, the motor bronchoscopy skills score (MoBSS).
Results:
Twelve novices, eleven intermediates, and ten expert bronchoscopy operators participated, resulting in 99 procedures available for assessment. MoBSS was correlated with a higher diagnostic completeness (Pearson's correlation, r = 0.43, p < 0.001) and a lower procedure time (Pearson's correlation, r = -0.90, p < 0.001). MoBSS was able to differentiate operator performance based on the experience level (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.001). Using the contrasting groups' method, a passing score of -0.08 MoBSS was defined that failed 30/36 (83%) novice, 5/33 (15%) intermediate, and 1/30 (3%) expert procedures.
Conclusions:
MoBSS can be used as an automatic and unbiased assessment tool for motor skills performance in flexible bronchoscopy. MoBSS has the potential to generate automatic feedback to help guide trainees toward expert performance.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
01:23Assessment of Respiration
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like...
01:24Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Palpation
Thoracic Palpation
Thoracic palpation detects tenderness, masses, lesions, respiratory excursions, and vocal fremitus. The nurse assesses...
01:30Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due...
01:19Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...
01:20Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation: