The results of this systematic review indicate that virtual reality endoscopy training can be used to effectively supplement early conventional endoscopy training (apprenticeship model) in diagnostic oesophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy and/or sigmoidoscopy for health professions trainees with limited or no prior endoscopic experience. However, there remains insufficient evidence to advise for or against the use of virtual reality simulation-based training as a replacement for early conventional endoscopy training (apprenticeship model) for health professions trainees with limited or no prior endoscopic experience. There is a great need for the development of a reliable and valid measure of endoscopic performance prior to the completion of further randomised clinical trials with high methodological quality.
Improvement of colonoscopy skills through simulation-based training.
The objective of this study is to determine whether targeted colonoscopy skills are acquired through simulation-based training using the KAIST-Ewha Colonoscopy Simulator II, and the acquired skills can be transferred to colonoscopy to actual patients. Eleven subjects consisting of six fellows and five residents participated in the study. The fellows and residents were divided into two groups, simulation-trained group and control group. Simulation-based training included practicing the targeted skills of colonoscopy using two training scenarios with different colon flexures and degrees of difficulty. The trainees were requested to practice until they reach all the established training goals. The both groups were evaluated during their colonoscopies to actual patients, which were performed under close supervision of colonoscopy experts. The results of this study show that the developed colonoscopy simulator is effective in teaching the targeted colonoscopy skills, and transferring those skills to actual colonoscopy.