title: The effect of a low-fidelity model on cystoscopic skill training: a single-blinded randomized controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Models for training urological procedures without burdening patients are available at varying costs. We examined the value of training on a low-fidelity model in addition to training on a high-fidelity simulator in a cystoscopy training program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-two medical students were randomized to an intervention and a control group. The former started by performing cystoscopy on a low-cost, low-fidelity, glass globe model before moving on to training on the URO Mentor (UM), a computerized simulator. The control group took part in the same UM training program but not in the low-fidelity training. Performance on UM was assessed by a global rating score, percentage of correctly inspected areas of the bladder (% inspected areas), time, and number of traumas caused.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The intervention group had generally higher scores. Its global rating score on task 1 was significantly higher than that of the control group (Mann-Whitney U test, P = 0.046, effect size 0.6) and the group also scored higher, albeit not significantly, on time and % inspected areas. All students said they valued training with UM, but the appreciation of the intervention group was stronger (mean 8.9 vs. 8.1 on a scale from 1 to 10, P = 0.017, effect size 1.8).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A low-fidelity glass globe model seemed to be an inexpensive educational tool to practice the first steps of cystoscopy. It may reduce training time on the UM simulator. The combined use of a low- and high-fidelity training model may provide an optimal learning effect.
authors.affiliation: Urology Department, Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. mleinpersoon@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Marjolein C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Persoon
authors.forename: Barbara M A
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Schout
authors.forename: Arno M M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Muijtjens
authors.forename: Ad J M
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Hendrikx
authors.forename: J Alfred
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Witjes
authors.forename: Albert J J M
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Scherpbier
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003198:Computer Simulation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003479:Curriculum; D003558:Cystoscopy / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D017145:Models, Educational; D009426:Netherlands; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult