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VR Simulation-Based vs Traditional Apprenticeship Training in Gynecological Laparoscopy: A Comparative Survey of
Antoni Sierant1, Julia Bijok1, Michal Pirozynski1
1Center for Endoscopy Simulation, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland.
Background:
Simulation has emerged as a transformative method in surgical education, offering reproducible training in risk-free environments. While widely adopted in Western Europe and North America, traditional apprenticeship remains dominant in Central and Eastern Europe, raising concerns about skill acquisition and standardization.
Objective:
This study compared obstetrics and gynecology residents' perceptions of simulation-based versus apprenticeship laparoscopy training in Poland, focusing on expectations, skills acquisition, instructor engagement, and training structure.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 59 residents: 29 completed structured VR simulation-based courses and 30 participated in operating room apprenticeship. Data were collected using two course-specific questionnaires, from which nine comparable parameters were extracted. Chi-square tests were applied where distributions allowed; other items were analyzed descriptively.
Results:
Simulation participants reported significantly greater fulfillment of expectations (96.6% large/very large vs 6.7% apprenticeship; χ2=48.35, p<0.05) and higher skill acquisition (86.2% high/very high vs 10% apprenticeship; χ2=40.60, p<0.05). Training duration and repetitions were more often judged optimal in the simulation group (82.8% and 93.1%, respectively) than in the apprenticeship group (33.3% and 10%). Instructor engagement was markedly higher in simulation (96.6% high/very high vs 3.3% apprenticeship; χ2=52.24, p<0.05). Nearly all simulation residents (96.6%) endorsed making such training mandatory, with most recommending introduction between residency years two and four.
Conclusion:
VR Simulation-based laparoscopy training was perceived as superior across expectations, skills acquisition, and structural factors. These findings, aligned with international literature, support integrating simulation as a mandatory component of gynecology residency curricula in Poland to improve both resident competence and patient safety.
