Developing basic robotic skills using virtual reality simulation and automated assessment tools: a multidisciplinary
Augustus Gleason1, Elliot Servais2, Syed Quadri2
1Lahey Hospital and Medical Center Lab, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, 41 Burlington Mall Rd., Burlington, MA, 01805, USA. augustusgleason@gmail.com.
Journal of Robotic Surgery
|January 23, 2022
Summary
This study shows virtual reality (VR) training improves robotic surgical skills for trainees. Objective assessments via the Intuitive Learning platform track progress and confirm skill development across specialties.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Education
- Medical Simulation
- Robotics in Medicine
Background:
- Robotic surgery requires specialized skills.
- Standardized training is crucial for surgical residents.
- Virtual reality (VR) offers a promising simulation tool.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a VR-based curriculum for basic robotic surgical skills.
- To assess the effectiveness of automated performance metrics for trainee evaluation.
- To explore interdisciplinary applications of VR surgical training.
Main Methods:
- A 24-exercise VR curriculum on the Da Vinci Skills Simulator was used.
- Trainees completed pre- and post-tests with a >90% passing score requirement.
- The Intuitive Learning platform provided automated performance tracking and metrics.
Main Results:
- Post-test scores significantly improved compared to pre-test scores.
- Trainees reported enhanced robotic surgical skills post-curriculum.
- Junior residents outperformed senior residents and fellows in efficiency and scores.
Conclusions:
- VR-based curricula with automated assessment effectively standardize robotic surgical skill development.
- The Intuitive Learning platform offers objective, trackable performance metrics.
- This approach facilitates shared, interdisciplinary surgical education.
