Construct validity of the LapSim : Can the LapSim virtual reality simulator distinguish between novices and experts?

Virtual reality simulators may be invaluable in training and assessing future endoscopic surgeons. The purpose of this study was to investigate if the results of a training session reflect the actual skill of the trainee who is being assessed and thereby establish construct validity for the LapSim v...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Surgical endoscopy 2007-08, Vol.21 (8), p.1413-1417
Main Authors:	VAN DONGEN, K. W, TOURNOIJ, E, VAN DER ZEE, D. C, SCHIJVEN, M. P, BROEDERS, I. A. M. J
Format:	Article
Language:	eng
Subjects:	Biological and medical sciences Clinical Competence Computer Simulation Educational Measurement General Surgery - education Humans Internship and Residency Laparoscopy Medical sciences Miscellaneous Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases User-Computer Interface
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Summary:	Virtual reality simulators may be invaluable in training and assessing future endoscopic surgeons. The purpose of this study was to investigate if the results of a training session reflect the actual skill of the trainee who is being assessed and thereby establish construct validity for the LapSim virtual reality simulator (Surgical Science Ltd., Gothenburg, Sweden). Forty-eight subjects were assigned to one of three groups: 16 novices (0 endoscopic procedures), 16 surgical residents in training (>10 but 100 endoscopic procedures). Performance was measured by a relative scoring system that combines single parameters measured by the computer. The higher the level of endoscopic experience of a participant, the higher the score. Experienced surgeons and surgical residents in training showed statistically significant higher scores than novices for both overall score and efficiency, speed, and precision parameters. Our results show that performance of the various tasks on the simulator corresponds to the respective level of endoscopic experience in our research population. This study demonstrates construct validity for the LapSim virtual reality simulator. It thus measures relevant skills and can be integrated in an endoscopic training and assessment program.
ISSN:	0930-2794 1432-2218