Group competition mechanism in surgical robot training: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation
• Robotic Surgery Training

Background:

• Limited resources hinder simultaneous training for numerous medical trainees.
• Optimizing training organization is crucial for improving efficiency and performance.
• Evaluating group competition with peer evaluation in robot training is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness and feasibility of a group competition mechanism with peer evaluation in robot simulator training.
• To compare the impact of group competition versus independent training on trainee performance.
• To determine if this model enhances surgical skill acquisition.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 60 medical students was conducted.
• Participants were divided into independent training and team-based competitive groups.
• Performance on robotic tasks (Pick-and-Place, Match-Board-2, Thread-the-Rings-1) was measured using a dV-Trainer simulator.

Main Results:

• The group competition format yielded significantly higher average operational scores and scoring efficiency (P < 0.05).
• Learning curves were steeper and performance improved more rapidly in the competitive group.
• The competitive model fostered significantly better operational habits (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Group competition with peer evaluation is an effective model for enhancing robot simulator training.
• This approach shows promise for improving surgical education for both students and practicing surgeons.
• The mechanism offers a novel strategy for optimizing surgical training outcomes.