title: Validation of a simple camera navigation trainer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  One laparoscopic skill that is rarely addressed is proper use of the 30-degree laparoscope. Lack of knowledge and training with an angled laparoscope can result in less than optimal visualization. The purpose of this study is to validate a simple and efficient camera navigation trainer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-four medical students from Baylor College of Medicine participated. Their use of a 30-degree laparoscope was assessed. In task A, subjects were asked to demonstrate a series of views corresponding to the position of the light cord. In task B, subjects had to correctly demonstrate views of a three-dimensional model of a liver, intestines, and abdominal wall. Subjects then underwent a brief training session, followed by a self-directed, 10-minute practice session. Last, they were retested in tasks A and B.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixteen students (47.1%) had prior experience using a laparoscope. At baseline testing, 0 of 34 novices were able to demonstrate the intended views in task A, but at posttraining the mean success rate was 99.5% (p < 0.0001). There was also significant improvement in performance of task B, where pretest success was 5.9% and posttest success was 98.5% (p < 0.0001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  After a simple and brief training session, novices were able to effectively use the 30-degree laparoscope using the established verbal cues. The simplicity of this training module provides an efficient method of training novice camera operators both within and outside the operating room.
authors: Michael E DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors: Kimberly A
authors: KA
authors: Yee
authors: Shahzeer
authors: S
authors: Karmali
authors: Vadim
authors: V
authors: Sherman
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003162:Competency-Based Education; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D020706:Laparoscopes; D010535:Laparoscopy; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013337:Students, Medical