Retention of Mastoidectomy Skills After Virtual Reality Simulation Training.

Importance: The ultimate goal of surgical training is consolidated skills with a consistently high performance. However, surgical skills are heterogeneously retained and depend on a variety of factors, including the task, cognitive demands, and organization of practice. Virtual reality (VR) simulation is increasingly being used in surgical skills training, including temporal bone surgery, but there is a gap in knowledge on the retention of mastoidectomy skills after VR simulation training.

Mapping the plateau of novices in virtual reality simulation training of mastoidectomy.

Objectives/hypothesis: To explore why novices' performance plateau in directed, self-regulated virtual reality (VR) simulation training and how performance can be improved.

Study Design: Prospective study.

Methods: Data on the performances of 40 novices who had completed repeated, directed, self-regulated VR simulation training of mastoidectomy were included.

Development and validation of a theoretical test in non-anaesthesiologist-administered propofol sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Objective: Safety with non-anaesthesiologist-administered propofol sedation (NAAP) during gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is related to theoretical knowledge. A summative testing of knowledge before attempting supervised nurse-administered propofol sedation (NAPS) in the clinic is advised. The aims of this study were to develop a theoretical test about propofol sedation, to gather validity evidence for the test and to measure the effect of a NAPS-specific training course.

Peak and ceiling effects in final-product analysis of mastoidectomy performance.

Background: Virtual reality surgical simulation of mastoidectomy is a promising training tool for novices. Final-product analysis for assessing novice mastoidectomy performance could be limited by a peak or ceiling effect. These may be countered by simulator-integrated tutoring.

Developing an emergency ultrasound app - a collaborative project between clinicians from different universities.

Focused emergency ultrasound is rapidly evolving as a clinical skill for bedside examination by physicians at all levels of education. Ultrasound is highly operator-dependent and relevant training is essential to ensure appropriate use. When supplementing hands-on focused ultrasound courses, e-learning can increase the learning effect.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy for lung cancer is associated with a lower 30-day morbidity compared with lobectomy by thoracotomy.

Objectives: Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Survival is highly dependent on surgery. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is increasingly chosen over open thoracotomy (OT) because of the possible benefits of the minimally invasive approach.

Update on simulation-based surgical training and assessment in ophthalmology: a systematic review.

Topic: This study reviews the evidence behind simulation-based surgical training of ophthalmologists to determine (1) the validity of the reported models and (2) the ability to transfer skills to the operating room.

Clinical Relevance: Simulation-based training is established widely within ophthalmology, although it often lacks a scientific basis for implementation.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review of trials involving simulation-based training or assessment of ophthalmic surgical skills among health professionals.

Simulation-based certification for cataract surgery.

Purpose: To evaluate the EyeSi(™) simulator in regard to assessing competence in cataract surgery. The primary objective was to explore all simulator metrics to establish a proficiency-based test with solid evidence. The secondary objective was to evaluate whether the skill assessment was specific to cataract surgery.

An integrable, web-based solution for easy assessment of video-recorded performances.

Assessment of clinical competencies by direct observation is problematic for two main reasons the identity of the examinee influences the assessment scores, and direct observation demands experts at the exact location and the exact time. Recording the performance can overcome these problems; however, managing video recordings and assessment sheets is troublesome and may lead to missing or incorrect data. Currently, no existing software solution can provide a local solution for the management of videos and assessments but this is necessary as assessment scores are confidential information, and access to this information should be restricted to select personnel.