Randomly alternating image presentation during laparoscopic training leads to faster automation to the "fulcrum effect".
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate four training programmes intended to help laparoscopic surgeons automate to the "fulcrum effect".


METHODS
A total of 32 participants (16 men, 16 women), were randomly assigned to one of four different image-viewing conditions: full binocular, y-axis inverted, normal laparoscopic and randomly alternating (between y-axis-inverted and normal laparoscopic). The subjects were requested to perform 10 trials of a simple laparoscopic cutting task, each lasting 2 minutes. Each then completed a 2-minute test under normal laparoscopic imaging conditions.


RESULTS
In the final test trial, participants who trained under the randomly alternating imaging conditions (y-axis inverted and normal laparoscopic) performed significantly better than those from the other groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Training under a randomly alternating viewing condition helps laparoscopic trainees automate to the "fulcrum effect" faster.
Jordan
J A
JA
School of Psychology, The Queen's University of Belfast, Ireland.
Gallagher
A G
AG
McGuigan
J
J
McClure
N
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004496:Education, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007494:Ireland; D007721:Knowledge of Results, Psychological; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis