title: Instructor feedback versus no instructor feedback on performance in a laparoscopic virtual reality simulator: a randomized educational trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Several studies have found a positive effect on the learning curve as well as the improvement of basic psychomotor skills in the operating room after virtual reality training. Despite this, the majority of surgical and gynecological departments encounter hurdles when implementing this form of training. This is mainly due to lack of knowledge concerning the time and human resources needed to train novice surgeons to an adequate level. The purpose of this trial is to investigate the impact of instructor feedback regarding time, repetitions and self-perception when training complex operational tasks on a virtual reality simulator.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study population consists of medical students on their 4th to 6th year without prior laparoscopic experience. The study is conducted in a skills laboratory at a centralized university hospital. Based on a sample size estimation 98 participants will be randomized to an intervention group or a control group. Both groups have to achieve a predefined proficiency level when conducting a laparoscopic salpingectomy using a surgical virtual reality simulator. The intervention group receives standardized instructor feedback of 10 to 12 min a maximum of three times. The control group receives no instructor feedback. Both groups receive the automated feedback generated by the virtual reality simulator. The study follows the CONSORT Statement for randomized trials. Main outcome measures are time and repetitions to reach the predefined proficiency level on the simulator. We include focus on potential sex differences, computer gaming experience and self-perception.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings will contribute to a better understanding of optimal training methods in surgical education.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  NCT01497782.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juliane Marie Centre, Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark. jeanett78@gmail.com
authors.forename: Jeanett
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Oestergaard
authors.forename: Flemming
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bjerrum
authors.forename: Mathilde
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maagaard
authors.forename: Per
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Winkel
authors.forename: Christian Rifbjerg
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Larsen
authors.forename: Charlotte
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ringsted
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gluud
authors.forename: Teodor
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Grantcharov
authors.forename: Bent
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ottesen
authors.forename: Jette Led
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Soerensen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003718:Denmark; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005180:Faculty, Medical; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000193:education*; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D058994:Salpingectomy / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D055815:Young Adult