Home practice for robotic surgery: a randomized controlled trial of a low-cost simulation model

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation
• Robotic Surgery

Background:

• Robotic surgery simulation enhances trainee skills without patient risk.
• High cost and limited access to simulators hinder widespread adoption.
• Low-cost simulation models offer a potential solution for accessible practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of low-cost home simulation models in improving medical student performance on robotic surgery simulators.
• To assess if at-home practice with adapted simulation kits enhances skills on the da Vinci Skills Simulator (dVSS).

Main Methods:

• Medical students practiced da Vinci Skills Simulator exercises (Sea Spikes 1, Big Dipper Needle Driving).
• Participants were assigned to either a home simulation kit group or a control group.
• Performance metrics (overall score, economy of motion, time, penalties) were compared before and after a two-week practice period.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in performance improvement was observed between the home simulation group and the control group.
• Student interviews revealed suggestions for improving the fidelity and utility of low-cost simulation models.
• Low-cost home simulation did not lead to measurable performance gains on the dVSS within the study timeframe.

Conclusions:

• Current low-cost home simulation models do not significantly enhance robotic surgery simulator performance after two weeks of practice.
• Further research and development are required to create effective and accessible low-cost robotic surgery training solutions.
• Improving accessibility in surgical education necessitates innovative and affordable simulation technologies.