Simulation Efficacy in Neurosurgical Education

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study aims to investigate the efficacy of simulation in neurosurgical training.

Detailed Description
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This study aims to investigate the efficacy of simulation in neurosurgical training. This will be assessed using accuracy and speed tests in the placement of external ventricle drain catheters (EVDs). EVD placement is a relatively simple neurosurgical procedure aimed at inexperienced young trainees. This study has two arms. The recruits are inexperienced trainees and/or interns and students who have never performed EVD placements before. The recruits are randomly assigned (using computer-based randomisation) to either Arm A or Arm B. Recruits to Arm A undergo simulation training (computer simulation of the procedure, followed by simulation on a dead animal model), after which the recruits will attempt to perform an EVD procedure on their own, on a 3D-printed skull model that we designed. Recruits to Arm B will witness an EVD placement as performed by an experienced surgeon, after the recruits will attempt to perform an EVD procedure on their own, using the aforementioned 3D-printed skull model. This mimics the ''see one, do one'' paradigm prevalent in surgical training. The efficacy of the simulation training will be assessed using the following criteria: i. Accuracy test: The accuracy of the catheter placement is assessed in both arms and compared to investigate whether there is a difference in the accuracy of the catheter placement in both arms. ii. Speed test: The speed of catheter placement is assessed in both arms and compared to investigate whether there is a difference in the speed of the catheter placement in both arms. iii. Subjective surveys The researchers will gauge the extent of the trainees' confidence in their surgical skills and their satisfaction with their training before and after completion of the simulation training using a questionnaire to be designed for this purpose. The trainees will assess their own familiarity with and confidence in the procedure using a scale from 0 (not familiar with the procedure, I have no confidence in being able to perform this procedure independently) to 10 (I am an expert at this procedure, I am able to perform this procedure independently with complete confidence). This data will be collected and input into a statistical software (Statistical Lab v. 3, CeDiS) to analyse the difference (if any) in the trainees' familiarity with the procedures and their confidence in being able to perform them in both arms.

Official Title
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Investigating the Efficacy of Simulation Curricula in Neurosurgical Education

Conditions
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Hydrocephalus, Educational, Simulation, Intraventricular Hemorrhage

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Simulation training
* Other: ''See one, do one'' approach


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: never performed EVD placements before Exclusion Criteria: any surgical experience with EVD placement
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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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Arm A: Simulation training cohort<br>Recruits to Arm A undergo simulation training (computer simulation of the procedure, followed by simulation on a dead animal model), after which they will attempt to perform an EVD procedure on their own, on a 3D-printed skull model that we designed. | Other: Simulation training<br>* Simulation training (computer simulation of the procedure, followed by simulation on a dead animal model).<br>|
| Arm B: ''See one, do one'' cohort<br>Recruits to Arm B will witness an EVD placement as performed by an experienced surgeon, after which they will attempt to perform an EVD procedure on their own, using the aforementioned 3D-printed skull model. This mimics the ''see one, do one'' paradigm prevalent in surgical training. | Other: ''See one, do one'' approach<br>* The participants watch an experienced surgeon perform the EVD placement, after which the participants attempt to perform the procedure independantly on the skull model.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Accuracy of catheter placement | The placement of the catheter will be analysed by blinded assessors. Outcome: is the catheter in the ventricle (yes/no). | immediately upon completion of the procedure | 
| Speed of performing the procedure | The time needed to complete the procedure will be recorded in seconds by blinded assessors. | immediately upon completion of the procedure | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Subjective survey |  | To be taken immediately before and immediately after performing the EVD insertion | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Medical education, simulation, neurosurgical education, Simulation laboratory, Ventricular drain