E-Posters-10065

10065_Kenne

Pdf Summary

The objective of this study was to determine if specific metrics from simulation exercises on the da Vinci Skills Simulator have construct validity and reliability for novice learners. The da Vinci robot presents unique challenges in surgical education due to the need for both procedural and technological skill acquisition. Currently, there is no standardized metric to assess a learner's preparedness for live surgery. This study aimed to identify metrics that can be used to determine a learner's readiness and safety for live surgery.<br /><br />The study obtained metrics for 13 novice learners who participated in two robotic simulator studies. The metrics measured were economy of motion, master workspace range, number of instrument collisions, and number of instruments out of view. The learners were scored on each metric an average of 8.8 times in a given day.<br /><br />The results showed significant population-mean improvement in all four metrics over repeated training sessions, indicating construct validity. Each additional training session predicted a decline in economy of motion, master workspace range, and the risk of instrument collisions. It also predicted a reduction in the odds of at least one instrument being out of view.<br /><br />However, the study was unable to determine reliability due to the nature of the assessments being practice sessions and the small cell counts for individual exercises within sessions.<br /><br />Overall, the four metrics examined demonstrate construct validity and may be useful in evaluating a learner's readiness for live surgery. As technical advances continue to increase demands on learners and educators, simulation will become necessary for training and maintaining skills. Further exploration of simulation metrics and their relevance to live operative skills is needed.

Keywords

da Vinci Skills Simulator

construct validity

reliability

novice learners

surgical education

standardized metric

live surgery readiness

robotic simulator studies

economy of motion

master workspace range