title: Virtual reality simulation training in Otolaryngology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To conduct a systematic review of the validity data for the virtual reality surgical simulator platforms available in Otolaryngology.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ovid and Embase databases searched July 13, 2013.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four hundred and nine abstracts were independently reviewed by 2 authors. Thirty-six articles which fulfilled the search criteria were retrieved and viewed in full text. These articles were assessed for quantitative data on at least one aspect of face, content, construct or predictive validity. Papers were stratified by simulator, sub-specialty and further classified by the validation method used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 21 articles reporting applications for temporal bone surgery (n = 12), endoscopic sinus surgery (n = 6) and myringotomy (n = 3). Four different simulator platforms were validated for temporal bone surgery and two for each of the other surgical applications. Face/content validation represented the most frequent study type (9/21). Construct validation studies performed on temporal bone and endoscopic sinus surgery simulators showed that performance measures reliably discriminated between different experience levels. Simulation training improved cadaver temporal bone dissection skills and operating room performance in sinus surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Several simulator platforms particularly in temporal bone surgery and endoscopic sinus surgery are worthy of incorporation into training programmes. Standardised metrics are necessary to guide curriculum development in Otolaryngology.
authors: Department of ENT, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W2 1NY, UK. Electronic address: asitarora@doctors.org.uk.
authors: Asit
authors: A
authors: Arora
authors: Imperial College School of Medicine, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
authors: Loretta Y M
authors: LY
authors: Lau
authors: Department of ENT, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W2 1NY, UK.
authors: Zaid
authors: Z
authors: Awad
authors: Department of Biosurgery and Surgical Technology, St. Mary's Hospital, Imperial College London, W2 1NY, UK.
authors: Ara
authors: A
authors: Darzi
authors: Department of Otolaryngology, Northwick Park Hospital, London HA1 3UJ, UK.
authors: Arvind
authors: A
authors: Singh
authors: Department of ENT, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W2 1NY, UK.
authors: Neil
authors: N
authors: Tolley
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000193:education*; D013506:Otologic Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education*; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education*; D014584:User-Computer Interface
keywords: Endoscopic sinus surgery; Myringotomy; Otolaryngology; Simulation training; Surgical training; Temporal bone surgery; Validity; Virtual reality