2262 Hysteroscopic Loop Resection Training Utilizing a Virtual Reality and Low-Fidelity Model: a Pilot Study

Abstract

Study Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) and low-fidelity inanimate model for training and assessing OB/GYN residents in hysteroscopic loop resection. Design Prospective, cohort trial. Setting Single academic affiliated community hospital. Patients or Participants Twenty-four PGY-1 through PGY-4 OB/GYN residents were enrolled. Interventions All participants served as their own controls and underwent a pre-intervention objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS), during which the participant performed a baseline hysteroscopic loop resection using a low-fidelity model. Next, they completed a designated VR hysteroscopic loop resection simulator module to achieve a score >95%. Immediately after intervention, participants were then allowed to practice on the low-fidelity model prior to repeating a recorded hysteroscopic loop resection. Post-intervention performance was assessed using an OSATS. Participants also completed a subjective survey assessing comfort levels with the procedure pre- and post-intervention. All low-fidelity model hysteroscopic resections were recorded and scored by a single blinded evaluator. Measurements and Main Results Seven surgical skills were measured using OSATS and nine subjective measures were assessed, both using a Likert Scale of 1 (low) to 5 (high). All residents showed improvement in camera management, tissue handling, and instrument management (p= Conclusion Simulation improved baseline surgical skills and led to retention and improvement of same skills. In addition, resident comfort with the knowledge and procedural steps increased. As mechanical resection device use continues to increase, residents have fewer opportunities to train with hysteroscopic resectoscopes. Resident training should include simulation to increase both baseline development and retention of surgical skills.