Computer-assisted simulated workplace-based assessment in surgery: application of the universal framework of intraoperative performance within a mixed-reality simulation.

Objectives: Workplace-based assessment (WBA) is a key requirement of competency-based medical education in postgraduate surgical education. Although simulated workplace-based assessment (SWBA) has been proposed to complement WBA, it is insufficiently adopted in surgical education. In particular, approaches to criterion-referenced and automated assessment of intraoperative surgical competency in contextualized SWBA settings are missing.

Three-dimensional-Printed Computed Tomography-Based Bone Models for Spine Surgery Simulation.

Introduction: We present a novel 3-dimensional (3D) printing method for low-cost and widely available reproduction of computed tomography (CT)-based synthetic bone models for spine surgery simulation, optimized to reproduce realistic haptic properties. The method allows reproduction of either normal or abnormal patient anatomy. The models are fluoroscopy compatible and contain deformities and fractures present in the underlying CT data.

Technical and Nontechnical Skills in Surgery: A Simulated Operating Room Environment Study.

Study Design: Observational simulation study.

Objective: The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between technical and nontechnical skills (NTS) in a simulated surgical procedure.

Summary Of Background Data: Although surgeons' technical and NTS during surgery are crucial determinants for clinical outcomes, little literature is available in spine surgery.

Say, What Is on Your Mind? Surgeons' Evaluations of Realism and Usability of a Virtual Reality Vertebroplasty Simulator.

Background: Virtual reality (VR)-based simulations offer rich opportunities for surgical skill training and assessment of surgical novices and experts. A structured evaluation and validation process of such training and assessment tools is necessary for effective surgical learning environments.

Objective: To develop and apply a classification system of surgeon-reported experience during operation of a VR vertebroplasty simulator.

Stepwise development of a simulation environment for operating room teams: the example of vertebroplasty.

Background: Despite the growing importance of medical simulation in education, there is limited guidance available on how to develop medical simulation environments, particularly with regard to technical and non-technical skills as well as to multidisciplinary operating room (OR) team training. We introduce a cognitive task analysis (CTA) approach consisting of interviews, structured observations, and expert consensus to systematically elicit information for medical simulator development. Specifically, our objective was to introduce a guideline for development and application of a modified CTA to obtain task demands of surgical procedures for all three OR professions with comprehensive definitions of OR teams' technical and non-technical skills.

Associations of Intraoperative Flow Disruptions and Operating Room Teamwork During Robotic-assisted Radical Prostatectomy.

Objective: To identify type and severity of surgical flow disruptions and to determine their impact on the perception of intraoperative teamwork.

Methods: Forty radical prostatectomy cases were studied in an academic department for urology. A standardized observational tool for identification of type and severity of flow disruptions was applied during real-time prostatectomy procedures.

Virtual reality-based simulators for spine surgery: a systematic review.

Background Context: Virtual reality (VR)-based simulators offer numerous benefits and are very useful in assessing and training surgical skills. Virtual reality-based simulators are standard in some surgical subspecialties, but their actual use in spinal surgery remains unclear. Currently, only technical reviews of VR-based simulators are available for spinal surgery.