Evaluating the effectiveness of a low fidelity, easily available simulator to teach basic arthroscopy skills to novice learners: A prospective cohort study

Abstract

BackgroundArthroscopy proficiency is key to being a competent orthopaedic surgeon and acquiring arthroscopic skills takes years of exposure and diligent practice. However, today’s graduating consultants have had considerably less time in operating theatre than their senior colleagues at the same point of their careers. ObjectivesTo evaluate whether: (1) Students could improve their arthroscopic technique using a low fidelity arthroscopic training tool (2) students enjoyed the use of the simulator (3) If certain demographics correlate to performance on the simulator. MethodsMedical students who have no previous training in arthroscopy were included. A combined left- and right-handed timed run with a low-fidelity arthroscopic triangulation simulator was recorded before and after 40-minutes of practice. Results84 participants took part with an average improvement of was 66.8%. Students felt that their arthroscopic skills increased on average by 36.4%. 73 of the 84 participants gave the maximum score of 5 when asked if they enjoyed the session and 74 participants gave the maximum score of 5 as to whether they would be interested in participating in further sessions. Factors such as biological sex, video game play and sports were found to be statistically significant to performance. ConclusionsThis study showed a statistically significant improvement in students’ arthroscopic performance with a low-fidelity arthroscopic simulator. Students found the experience useful with the vast majority indicating interest in completing further training sessions to help improve practical surgical skills. Video gamers, sports players and males were found to have a correlation with performance on the simulator.