A feasibility study: a non-inferiority study comparing head-mounted and console-based virtual reality for robotic...

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Surgical Training Technologies
• Virtual Reality in Healthcare

Background:

• Head-mounted virtual reality (VR) simulations are increasingly used in healthcare for patient education, stroke rehabilitation, and surgical training.
• The application and effectiveness of head-mounted VR in robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) training remain underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of head-mounted VR simulation versus conventional console-based simulation for novice RAS training.
• To assess the impact of VR training on skill acquisition and proficiency benchmarks in RAS.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized, controlled trial with a single-arm crossover design was employed.
• Participants were assigned to either head-mounted VR or console-based training.
• Performance was evaluated using a running suture task at baseline, midterm, and final assessments on the surgical console.

Main Results:

• Both training modalities significantly improved fundamental RAS skills (p < 0.001).
• The head-mounted VR group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in time (p = 0.004) and attempts (p = 0.009) to reach benchmark performance compared to the control group.
• No significant difference was found in final composite scores between the groups (p = 0.391), and non-inferiority could not be established.

Conclusions:

• Head-mounted VR and console-based training both enhance novice RAS skills.
• VR training may accelerate the learning curve by reducing time and attempts needed for proficiency.
• Larger-scale studies are warranted to confirm these preliminary findings on VR simulation feasibility in RAS training.