ThTP3.1 Development and early validation of ‘SuturePal’: a novel mixed reality laparoscopic suturing training module

Abstract

Abstract Aims Laparoscopic suturing is a challenging skill to acquire, requiring extensive training. This study aims firstly to develop a novel self-directed mixed reality laparoscopic suturing training module using the Microsoft Hololens 2 headset and secondly to assess the feasibility of this training tool and advantages over conventional training methods. Methods SuturePal is a self-directed mixed reality training module which combines didactic videos, text, and bespoke interactive 3D models. Ten medical students and surgical trainees participated in a single-blinded prospective randomised feasibility study. Participants received baseline teaching for laparoscopic intracorporeal knot tying and were subsequently randomised to either SuturePal (n=5) or conventional training (n=5). Baseline and post-training knots were recorded and assessed by two blinded examiners for time taken, precision, errors, and proficiency according to two previously validated objective assessment tools. Cognitive load was measured via the validated NASA-TLX tool and participant feedback was recorded. Results SuturePal users reported higher confidence levels (p=0.0476) and lower mental demand (p=0.0397) following training compared to those taught by conventional means. No statistical differences, however, were shown between groups when comparing objective measures of knot tying performance. Conclusions SuturePal provides evidence for how mixed reality technology may enhance engagement in surgical skill acquisition by improving user experience and lowering mental demand. This contributes to the growing body of evidence that mixed reality may have a role in enhancing surgical training. However, further research in the form of larger scale studies is required to determine whether mixed reality improves objective performance of surgical trainees.