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Surgical performance in a virtual environment

Article Information:

Title:

Surgical performance in a virtual environment

Author(s):

May Y. Choi, Garnette R. Sutherland

Journal:

On the Horizon

Year:

2009

Volume:

17

Issue:

4

Page:

345 - 355


ISSN:

1074-8121


DOI:

10.1108/10748120910998335

Publisher:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited


Acknowledgements:

This work was supported by grants from the O'Brien Centre for the Bachelor of Health Science, Canada Foundation for Innovation, Alberta Advanced Education and Technology and Western Economic Diversification.

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Abstract:

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the effect of video game and surgical experience on the ability to adapt to and use the neuroArm virtual reality (VR) simulator.

Design/methodology/approach – A total of 48 participants, comprising video gamers, medical students, surgical residents, and qualified surgeons, were recruited. Subjects played three video games and completed a questionnaire. Three pre-determined tasks simulating surgical procedures were performed using the simulator. Performance was measured by time for task completion, number of errors, and quality of outcome.

Findings – Gamers outperformed other groups on all measures of performance at almost every task on the VR simulator. All groups showed interval improvement in performance. As age of participants increased, irrespective of their sex and group, their quality of performance decreased and time to complete tasks increased. Initially, the men outperformed the women at every task, however, the difference decreased with repetition.

Research limitations/implications – More participants are needed to increase statistical significance of the results, in particular female participants.

Practical implications – This study showed that gamers adapted rapidly to the neuroArm trainer, which could be attributed to enhanced visual attention and spatial distribution skills from video game play. Therefore, visuospatial skills may become strong elements in the selection criterion for future generations of surgical trainees.

Originality/value – This study evaluated performance on the neuroArm trainer for the first time. The results provide insight into the design of a training program that helps select and prepare future surgeons for robotic surgery.

Keywords:

Education, Robotics, Simulation, Surgery, Virtual work


Article Type:

Research paper


Article URL:

http://www.emeraldinsight.com/10.1108/10748120910998335

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