The development and validation of a new simulator for endourology

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Urology
• Surgical Training

Background:

• Simulation is crucial for surgical training, especially in endourology due to long learning curves.
• Minimally invasive endourology procedures benefit significantly from simulator-based training to reduce learning time.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a low-fidelity simulator for practicing endourology techniques, specifically cystoscopy.
• To assess the simulator's face, content, and construct validity using expert and non-expert urologists.

Main Methods:

• A low-fidelity simulator was designed for cystoscopy practice.
• Validation involved 5 urology experts and 19 internal medicine non-experts.
• Data collected via Likert scales for face/content validity and OSATS for construct validity.

Main Results:

• The simulator was successfully developed.
• Significant differences (p<0.05) in construct validity were found between experts and non-experts.
• High scores for face (4.14) and content (4.66) validity, with high immersion noted.

Conclusions:

• The developed simulator is valid for training novice urologists in endourology.
• The simulator also serves as a valuable tool for expert urologists to refine their skills.