Construct Validity and Experience of Using a Low-cost Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery Simulator

Objective  To validate the low-cost model for arthroscopy training and analyze the acceptance and usefulness of the developed simulator in medical teaching and training. Method  Ten medical students, ten third-year orthopedic residents, and ten shoulder surgeons performed predetermined tasks on a shoulder simulator twice. The parameters used were time to complete the tasks, number of looks at the hands, GOALS score (Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills) and comparison between groups and within groups. An adapted Likert scale was applied addressing the individuals' impressions about the simulator and its applicability. Results  In the intergroup comparison, the shoulder surgeons had better scores and times than the other groups. When the tasks were repeated, the group of surgeons had a 59% improvement in time (p < 0.05), as did the group of medical students. In the GOALS score, shoulder surgeons had consistently better scores than the other groups. And when we evaluated the evolution from the first to the second test, the group of surgeons and the group of academics had a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05). In terms of lookdowns, there was a decrease in all groups. There was consensus that the simulator is useful in training. Conclusion  The simulator developed allowed the differentiation between individuals with different levels of training in arthroscopic surgery. It was accepted by 100% of the participants as a useful tool in arthroscopic shoulder surgical training.