Proficiency Based Robotics Training Curriculum: Skill Acquisition & Transferability of Skills to Live Porcine Models

Overview

The goal of the project is to define the optimal learning environment and protocol for dvSS® simulation activities using medical students as robotic-naïve research participants.

The goal of the project is to define the optimal learning environment and protocol for dvSS® simulation activities using medical students as robotic-naïve research participants. The investigators propose to accomplish this goal through the following aims: Specific Aim #1: to investigate the total training time and the total number of repetitions required for participants to achieve proficiency (as defined on the dvSS® as 91%) for each of the selected exercises in selected dVSS activities. Specific Aim #2: to measure the transferability of skills acquired through a robotic simulation to live porcine models compared to nonintervention controls. The study will compare the effect of training with the dVSS to similar nonintervention controls by grading a suturing procedure on a live porcine model. Findings generated from this study will provide new insight into the efficacy of the dVSS as a simulation- based training tool for medical practitioners. Collectively, this work will build upon the narrow knowledge base on how to develop a nationally accredited simulation-based robotics curriculum. This study undoubtedly furthers the GWU SMHS mission of education, research, and healing. The study seeks to understand the learning curve students can achieve by simulation-based training and then to directly apply that training to a safe in vivo model in order to determine training interventions that can inform a robotic curriculum both locally at GWU and throughout the country. Additionally, this study is innovative in that it is the first of its kind to correlate skills acquired on a robotic-simulation gynecology based tool to a live porcine model. It seeks to enhance the current GWU GYN robotics- curriculum and assist with the development of a specific curriculum within the next year. Although the immediate goal is for planning toward a gynecology robotic curriculum, results of this study could also inform development of robotic programs in other disciplines such as general surgery and urology. Considering, the limited development of simulation-based robotics curriculum, further refining the curriculum would allow GWU to continue "to be globally recognized as a medical center that embraces the challenge of…transforming health care, and expanding research to enrich and improve the lives of those \[served\]." It also serves to "leverage the SMHS brand to enhance opportunities for recognition, distinction..\& marketing." Preparing a generation of well-trained and confident gynecologic surgeons will allow providers to administer safe care to women.

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