title: Tablet based simulation provides a new solution to accessing laparoscopic skills training.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Access to facilities that allow trainees to develop their laparoscopic skills is very limited in the hospital environment and courses can be very expensive. We set out to build an inexpensive yet effective trainer to allow laparoscopic skill acquisition in the home or classroom environment based on using a tablet as a replacement for the laparoscopic stack and camera.
  
  
  METHODS
  The cavity in which to train was made from a cardboard box; we left the sides and back open to allow for natural light to fill the cavity. An iPad 2 (Apple Inc.) was placed over the box to act as our camera and monitor. We provided 10 experienced laparoscopic surgeons with the task of passing a suture needle through 3 hoops; then they filled in a questionnaire to assess Face (training capacity) and Content (performance) validity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  On a 5-point Likert scale, the tablet-based laparoscopic trainer scored a mean 4.2 for training capacity (hand eye coordination, development, and maintenance of lap skills) and for performance (graphics, video, and lighting quality) it scored a mean 4.1.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The iPad 2-based laparoscopic trainer was successfully validated for training. It allows students and trainees to practice at their own pace and for inexpensive training on the go. Future "app-"based skills are planned.
authors: Medical Research Council (MRC) Center for Transplantation, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Guy's Hospital, King's College London, King's Health Partners, London, United Kingdom.
authors: Ali Nehme
authors: AN
authors: Bahsoun
authors: Mohsan Munir
authors: MM
authors: Malik
authors: Kamran
authors: K
authors: Ahmed
authors: Oussama
authors: O
authors: El-Hage
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Jaye
authors: Prokar
authors: P
authors: Dasgupta
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000193:education*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis