Video Playback as an Educational Tool for Improving Resident Laparoscopic Performance: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Skills Training
• Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

• Laparoscopic surgery requires specialized skills.
• Objective assessment of surgical proficiency is crucial for resident training.
• Video feedback is a potential tool to enhance surgical education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of video recording self-performance on Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Skills (FLS) assessment scores.
• To determine if watching video recordings improves Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) scores in Obstetrics and Gynecology (Ob/Gyn) residents.

Main Methods:

• A single-masked randomized controlled study involving 23 Ob/Gyn residents.
• Residents performed FLS exercises, were video recorded, and received feedback.
• Intervention group watched their videos; control group received only verbal feedback.
• GOALS assessment was used for pre- and post-intervention evaluation.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed significant improvement in GOALS scores (faculty and self-reported).
• The intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant greater improvement in GOALS scores compared to the control group.
• Higher postgraduate year (PGY) residents, particularly PGY4, showed the most significant improvement, indicating advanced learners benefit most.

Conclusions:

• Watching video recordings of oneself performing laparoscopic tasks is an effective educational tool for Ob/Gyn residents.
• Advanced surgical trainees may derive greater benefits from video-based self-assessment.
• Integrating video feedback into surgical training curricula can enhance skill acquisition and performance.