title: Multicenter, randomized, controlled trial of virtual-reality simulator training in acquisition of competency in colonoscopy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The GI Mentor is a virtual reality simulator that uses force feedback technology to create a realistic training experience.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To define the benefit of training on the GI Mentor on competency acquisition in colonoscopy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized, controlled, blinded, multicenter trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Academic medical centers with accredited gastroenterology training programs.
  
  
  METHODS
  First-year GI fellows.
  
  
  METHODS
  Subjects were randomized to receive 10 hours of unsupervised training on the GI Mentor or no simulator experience during the first 8 weeks of fellowship. After this period, both groups began performing real colonoscopies. The first 200 colonoscopies performed by each fellow were graded by proctors to measure technical and cognitive success, and patient comfort level during the procedure.
  
  
  METHODS
  A mixed-effects model comparison between the 2 groups of objective and subjective competency scores and patient discomfort in the performance of real colonoscopies over time.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-five fellows were randomized from 16 hospitals over 2 years. Fellows in the simulator group had significantly higher objective competency rates during the first 100 cases. A mixed-effects model demonstrated a higher objective competence overall in the simulator group (P < .0001), with the difference between groups being significantly greater during the first 80 cases performed. The median number of cases needed to reach 90% competency was 160 in both groups. The patient comfort level was similar.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fellows who underwent GI Mentor training performed significantly better during the early phase of real colonoscopy training.
authors.affiliation: NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Seth A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Kinjal C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Vora
authors.forename: Xiaonan
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Xue
authors.forename: J Steven
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Burdick
authors.forename: Simmy
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bank
authors.forename: Edmund J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Bini
authors.forename: Henry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bodenheimer
authors.forename: Maurice
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cerulli
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Gerdes
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Greenwald
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gress
authors.forename: Irwin
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Grosman
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hawes
authors.forename: Gerard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mullin
authors.forename: Gerard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mullen
authors.forename: Felice
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Schnoll-Sussman
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Starpoli
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Stevens
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tenner
authors.forename: Gerald
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Villanueva
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000193:education*; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships; D005762:Gastroenterology / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D014584:User-Computer Interface