Surgical Priming Improves Operative Performance in Surgical Trainees: A Crossover Randomized Control Trial

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Medical Simulation
• Surgical Training

Background:

• Operative performance is critical for patient safety and training effectiveness.
• Preoperative preparation routines can significantly influence surgical outcomes.
• Virtual reality (VR) simulation offers a novel approach to surgical training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a virtual reality (VR) surgical warm-up on the operative performance of orthopedic trainees.
• To determine if VR simulation prior to surgery enhances surgical skills and efficiency.
• To evaluate the potential benefits of VR priming on resident training and patient care.

Main Methods:

• A single-blinded, cross-over randomized controlled trial was conducted.
• Orthopedic trainees were randomized into a VR simulation group (priming arm) or a control group.
• Subjective surgical performance was assessed by consultant orthopedic trainers using a validated global rating scale.

Main Results:

• VR surgical warm-up led to consistently improved operative performance (p=0.001).
• The priming arm demonstrated enhanced surgical skills compared to the control group.
• Data from 151 sessions, including 49 matched data points, supported the findings.

Conclusions:

• Preoperative VR simulation priming optimizes operative performance in orthopedic trainees.
• VR simulation has significant implications for improving surgical resident training.
• Enhanced training through VR may lead to better patient outcomes and more efficient operating room scheduling.