title: Prospective, randomized assessment of transfer of training (ToT) and transfer effectiveness ratio (TER) of virtual reality simulation training for laparoscopic skill acquisition.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We assessed the effectiveness of ToT from VR laparoscopic simulation training in 2 studies. In a second study, we also assessed the TER. ToT is a detectable performance improvement between equivalent groups, and TER is the observed percentage performance differences between 2 matched groups carrying out the same task but with 1 group pretrained on VR simulation. Concordance between simulated and in-vivo procedure performance was also assessed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective, randomized, and blinded.
  
  
  METHODS
  In Study 1, experienced laparoscopic surgeons (n = 195) and in Study 2 laparoscopic novices (n = 30) were randomized to either train on VR simulation before completing an equivalent real-world task or complete the real-world task only.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Experienced laparoscopic surgeons and novices who trained on the simulator performed significantly better than their controls, thus demonstrating ToT. Their performance showed a TER between 7% and 42% from the virtual to the real tasks. Simulation training impacted most on procedural error reduction in both studies (32-42%). The correlation observed between the VR and real-world task performance was r > 0·96 (Study 2).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  VR simulation training offers a powerful and effective platform for training safer skills.
authors: School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. anthonyg.gallagher@btinternet.com
authors: Anthony G
authors: AG
authors: Gallagher
authors: Neal E
authors: NE
authors: Seymour
authors: Julie-Anne
authors: JA
authors: Jordan-Black
authors: Brendan P
authors: BP
authors: Bunting
authors: Kieran
authors: K
authors: McGlade
authors: Richard Martin
authors: RM
authors: Satava
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014163:Transfer, Psychology; D014584:User-Computer Interface