Virtual reality simulation training for health professions trainees in gastrointestinal endoscopy

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Education

Background:

• Traditional endoscopy training relies on an apprenticeship model with real patients.
• Patient safety concerns have driven the development of simulation training in a risk-free environment.
• This review evaluates virtual reality (VR) simulation training's effectiveness in gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if VR simulation training can supplement or replace early conventional endoscopy training.
• Focus on diagnostic oesophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy for novice trainees.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and quasi-randomized clinical trials.
• Searched multiple databases up to October 2023.
• Included trials comparing VR training to conventional training, other simulations, or no training.

Main Results:

• VR training showed a likely benefit in independent procedure completion compared to no training (moderate-certainty evidence).
• Evidence is very uncertain regarding VR's effect on competency scores, performance ratings, and procedure time versus no training.
• Compared to conventional training, VR training may lead to fewer independent procedure completions (low-certainty evidence).

Conclusions:

• VR training appears to offer some advantages over no training, particularly in independent procedure completion.
• Insufficient evidence exists to support VR simulation as a replacement for early conventional endoscopy training.
• Further research is needed to clarify VR simulation's role in supplementing or replacing conventional training.