A comparison between randomly alternating imaging, normal laparoscopic imaging, and virtual reality training in laparoscopic psychomotor skill acquisition.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate virtual reality as a laparoscopic training device in helping surgeons to automate to the "fulcrum effect" by comparing it to time-matched training programs using randomly alternating images (ie, y-axis inverted and normal laparoscopic) and normal laparoscopic viewing conditions.


METHODS
Twenty-four participants (16 females and 8 males), were randomly assigned to minimally invasive surgery virtual reality (MIST VR), randomly alternating (between y-axis inverted and normal laparoscopic images), and normal laparoscopic imaging condition. Participants were requested to perform a 2-minute laparoscopic cutting task before and after training.


RESULTS
In the test trial participants who trained on the MIST VR performed significantly better than those in the normal laparoscopic and randomly alternating imaging conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
The results show that virtual reality training may provide faster skill acquisition with particular reference to automation of the fulcrum effect. MIST VR provides a new way of training laparoscopic psychomotor surgical skills.
Jordan
J A
JA
School of Psychology, the Queens University of Belfast, Belfast, Ireland.
Gallagher
A G
AG
McGuigan
J
J
McGlade
K
K
McClure
N
N
D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*