Desktop simulator: key to universal training?
BACKGROUND
Training of skills in simulators is preferred over learning on patients so as to avoid undue injury to patients and to allow more efficient use of resources. Most simulators are costly and require a dedicated space. The aim of this study was to evaluate a simple desktop simulator, the Mirror Trainer.


METHODS
Thirty medical students were randomly assigned to three groups. One group was taught laparoscopic suturing in the Mirror Trainer, the second group used a pelvic training box, while the third group served as a control group and did not receive any training. All suture attempts during training were recorded on video. A blinded, independent investigator analyzed the videos. At the completion of training, the suturing skills of each participant were evaluated in an animal model.


RESULTS
Training with the Mirror Trainer required less time than with the pelvic trainer (p < 0.001). Compared with the control group, the Mirror Trainer group and the pelvic trainer group were significantly faster at creating three knots in the pig (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). Both training groups performed equally well on the animal model (p = 0.99).


CONCLUSIONS
The Mirror Trainer and the pelvic trainer are equally effective in teaching laparoscopic suturing skills but training with the Mirror Trainer requires less time, can be done on any desktop, and is less costly.
Bruynzeel
Hanna
H
Department of Surgery, Erasmus Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
de Bruin
Anton F J
AF
Bonjer
Hendrik J
HJ
Lange
Johan F
JF
Hop
Wim C J
WC
Ayodeji
Ifesegun D
ID
Kazemier
Geert
G
D002983:Clinical Competence; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000193:education*; D013664:Teaching Materials