The EZ Trainer: validation of a portable and inexpensive simulator for training basic laparoscopic skills.
OBJECTIVE
We assessed the face and content validity of a new portable laparoscopic trainer, the EZ Trainer.


METHODS
The portable, affordable EZ trainer system was conceived, designed and commissioned by academic surgeons from the departments of urology at our 2 institutions with the express purpose of advancing laparoscopic surgical training. A total of 42 participants, including general surgeons, obstetricians/gynecologists, urologists and industry representatives, assessed the face and the content validity of the trainer using a standard questionnaire. Participants were stratified into high (greater than 30 laparoscopic cases per year) and low (less than 30 cases per year) volume laparoscopists.


RESULTS
Of the participants 96% rated the trainer as a realistic laparoscopic training format. Of high volume laparoscopists 81.5% rated the trainer as comfortable to use, 92.6% found that the trainer was a realistic practice format, 70.4% would purchase the trainer for personal use and 85.2% would recommend that the trainer be made available to surgical residents in their discipline. Of low volume laparoscopists 87% rated the trainer as comfortable to use, 93.3% found that the trainer was a realistic practice format, 73.3% would purchase the trainer for personal use and 80% would recommend that the trainer be made available to diverse surgical residents.


CONCLUSIONS
The EZ trainer system has face and content validity as a portable laparoscopic trainer across a broad range of surgical disciplines.
Hruby
Gregory W
GW
Department of Urology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA.
Sprenkle
Preston C
PC
Abdelshehid
Corollos
C
Clayman
Ralph V
RV
McDougall
Elspeth M
EM
Landman
Jaime
J
D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011214:Practice, Psychological; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013664:Teaching Materials / Q000191:economics; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education*