Validation of the ViGaTu Immersive Virtual Reality Endoscopy Training System for Physicians and Nurses

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Virtual Reality in Healthcare
• Endoscopy Training

Background:

• Current endoscopy simulators focus on procedural interventions, neglecting crucial peri-interventional tasks.
• Tasks like patient data checks, team time-outs, monitoring, and sedation are vital but often untrained.
• The ViGaTu (Virtual Gastro Tutor) immersive virtual reality (VR) simulator was developed to address this training gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the face, content, and construct validity of the ViGaTu immersive VR simulator.
• To evaluate the simulator's effectiveness in teaching peri-interventional endoscopy skills.
• To determine the usability and learnability of the VR training system.

Main Methods:

• 71 nurses and physicians participated in an immersive VR simulation of endoscopy procedures.
• Training included device setup, form completion, patient monitoring, and sedation.
• Face/content validity, System Usability Scale (SUS), and performance metrics were assessed.

Main Results:

• 75% of items were rated realistic for face validity; 60% were useful for content validity.
• The System Usability Scale (SUS) score was 70, indicating high usability.
• Experienced staff were significantly faster than beginners in setup, supporting construct validity.

Conclusions:

• The ViGaTu VR simulator offers a novel interdisciplinary training approach for endoscopy.
• It effectively incorporates peri-interventional tasks and sedation training in an immersive environment.
• The study demonstrates the simulator's validity and usability for enhancing endoscopy education.