Three‐Dimensional, Virtual Technologies and Haptic Simulation Temporal Bone Surgical Training

Abstract

Objectives:Simulation has become an important teaching format in medical education; it is especially useful to teach complex anatomy of temporal bone (TB). We developed a TB simulator consisting of 1) software with high resolution three‐dimensional (3D) TB volumetric images; 2) A haptic device from which the user can sense the force feedback and the sound of drilling. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of TB simulator in medical student teaching.Methods:A total of 18 rotating medical students were randomly assigned to the “simulation” (N = 13) or “traditional’ (N = 5) TB training groups. Both groups were oriented with TB anatomy and dissection procedures by slide presentation and didactic lecture. The simulation group practiced on the simulator to complete 1 session of TB dissection. Written examinations were given at day 0 and day 14. Using paired t‐test, the before‐after test scores were compared between simulation and traditional groups.Results:Both groups showed significant improvement in their comprehension to TB anatomy. The anatomy comprehension showed 10% improvement in traditional and 20% in simulation groups, respectively (P < 0.05) The written examination showed that the “simulation” group had significantly greater magnitude of improvement (40 vs. 20 points) than “traditional” group. (P < 0.05).Conclusions:The test results confirm that the 3D, virtual technology, and haptic simulator might be a worthwhile and superior substitute to traditional class‐based lecture in teaching TB anatomy.