The Effect of Virtual Simulation Training in Mastoidectomy

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of virtual simulation training on mastoidectomy dissection performance of otorhinolaryngology trainees, to explore performance assessment using a final-product analysis approach and to explore the role of cognitive load.

Detailed Description
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Traditional dissection training in temporal bone surgery is not evidence-based yet gold standard. In the recent years the Visible Ear Simulator has been used as an introduction to mastoidectomy in the Danish temporal bone course curriculum before letting the participants move on to dissection training in order to maximize the yield from the dissection training. Instructors have the impression that participants perform better in dissection after the simulator training session has been introduced. Our pilot study suggests that participants perform better in the simulator compared to traditional dissection training. This could be due to a reduction of the cognitive load in the virtual simulator. These observations lead to the hypothesis that virtual simulation training of mastoidectomy provides an effect that improves performance in traditional dissection training.

Official Title
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The Effect of Virtual Simulation Training With the Visible Ear Simulator on Mastoidectomy Performance of Otorhinolaryngology Trainees

Conditions
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Medical Education, User-Computer Interface, Clinical Skills, Motor Skills, Temporal Bone

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Virtual simulation training


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Resident in otorhinolaryngology postgraduate year 2-5 Informed written consent Exclusion Criteria: Previous participation in formal mastoidectomy training in a virtual simulator

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Virtual simulation training first<br>Participants in this arm receive virtual simulation training before dissection training. | Other: Virtual simulation training<br>* Virtual simulation training in the Visible Ear Simulator.<br>|
| No Intervention: Dissection training first<br>Participants in this arm receive dissection training first and then virtual simulation training. | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Final Product Assessment Score | Mastoidectomy final product assessment score using a modified Welling Scale for performance assessment | 3 hours | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in simulator metrics | Integrated simulator metrics including volume drilled (inside+outside target volumes), collisions with vital structures in simulation and time. | 3 hours | 
| Change in reaction time | Reaction time to a visual or auditory cue (in ms) | 3 hours | 
| Simulation experience | Background data from a questionnaire including questions on prior simulation training and experience | At recruitment | 
| Demographics | Background data from a questionnaire on participant demographics. | At recruitment | 
| Computer skills | Background data from a questionnaire on experience and interests in computers and IT | At recruitment | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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virtual simulation, temporal bone, surgical training, medical education, self-directed learning, final product assessment, cognitive load, reaction time, skills training, simulator metrics