Outcomes of Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) mastery training standards applied to an ergonomically different, lower cost platform.

Abstract

Using previously established mastery learning standards, this study compares outcomes of training on standard FLS (FLS) equipment with training on an ergonomically different (ED-FLS), but more portable, lower cost platform. Subjects completed a pre-training FLS skills test on the standard platform and were then randomized to train on the FLS training platform (n=20) or the ED-FLS platform (n=19). A post-training FLS skills test was administered to both groups on the standard FLS platform. Group performance on the pretest was similar. Fifty percent of FLS and 32% of ED-FLS subjects completed the entire curriculum. 100% of subjects completing the curriculum achieved passing scores on the post-training test. There was no statistically discernible difference in scores on the final FLS exam (FLS 93.4, ED-FLS 93.3, p=0.98) or training sessions required to complete the curriculum (FLS 7.4, ED-FLS 9.8, p=0.13). These results show that when applying mastery learning theory to an ergonomically different platform, skill transfer occurs at a high level and prepares subjects to pass the standard FLS skills test.