Collaborative team training in virtual reality is superior to individual learning for performing complex open surgery: a randomised controlled trial
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Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Objective: To assess if multiplayer virtual reality (VR) training was superior to single player training for acquisition of both technical and non-technical skills in learning complex surgery. Summary Background Data: Superior team-work in the operating room (OR) is associated with improved technical performance and clinical outcomes. VR can successfully train OR staff individually, however VR team training has yet to be investigated. Method: Forty participants were randomised to individual or team VR training. Individually-trained participants practiced alongside virtual avatar counterparts, whilst teams trained live in pairs. Both groups underwent five VR training sessions over 6-weeks. Subsequently, they underwent a real-life assessment in which they performed Anterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty (AA-THA) surgery on a high-fidelity model with real equipment in a simulated OR. Teams performed together and individually-trained participants were randomly paired up. Videos were marked by two blinded assessors recording the NOTSS, NOTECHS II and SPLINTS scores. Secondary outcomes were procedure time and number of technical errors. Results: Teams outperformed individually-trained participants for non-technical skills in the real-world assessment (NOTSS 13.1±1.5 vs 10.6±1.6, P=0.002, NOTECHS-II score 51.7±5.5 vs 42.3±5.6, P=0.001 and SPLINTS 10±1.2 vs 7.9±1.6, P=0.004). They completed the assessment 28.1% faster (27.2 minutes±5.5 vs 41.8 ±8.9, P<0.001), and made fewer than half the number of technical errors (10.4±6.1 vs 22.6±5.4, P<0.001). Conclusions: Multiplayer training leads to faster surgery with fewer technical errors and the development of superior non-technical skills.
Date Issued
2023-12
Date Acceptance
2023-08-16
ISSN
0003-4932
Publisher
Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
Start Page
850
End Page
857
Journal / Book Title
Annals of Surgery
Volume
278
Issue
6
Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. This is an open access article distributed
under the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 (CCBY), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and
reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
under the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 (CCBY), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and
reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Identifier
https://journals.lww.com/annalsofsurgery/abstract/9900/collaborative_team_training_in_virtual_reality_is.628.aspx
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2023-08-28