Prospective randomized study on the use of a computer-based endoscopic simulator for training in esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
OBJECTIVE
Computer-based endoscopic simulators have been developed in recent years, and their usefulness has been reported. However, there is no blinded prospective randomized controlled study on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) training using virtual reality simulators. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a computer-based simulator for basic training in EGD.


METHODS
The GI-Mentor II simulator was used. The subjects were 20 hospital medical residents. After receiving an explanation regarding the fundamentals of endoscopy, 10 trainees were each randomized into a simulator group and a non-simulator group. The simulator group received 5 h of training with the GI-Mentor II plus bedside training, while the non-simulator group received bedside training. Subsequently, each subject performed endoscopy twice for assessment. Performance was evaluated according to a five-grade scale for a total of 11 items.


RESULTS
The score was significantly higher in the skills required for insertion into the esophagus, passing from the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) to the antrum, passing through the pylorus, and examination of the duodenal bulb and the fornix.


CONCLUSIONS
The performance of endoscopy was improved by 5 h of simulator training. The simulator was more effective with regard to the items related to manipulation skills. Computer-based simulator training in EGD is useful for beginners.
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi, Japan.
Yasuyuki
Y
Shirai
Tomoharu
T
Yoshida
Ryu
R
Shiraishi
Takeshi
T
Okamoto
Hiroki
H
Nakamura
Toshiya
T
Harada
Jun
J
Nishikawa
Isao
I
Sakaida
D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003479:Curriculum; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System; D005260:Female; D005762:Gastroenterology / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014584:User-Computer Interface