Personality traits and virtual reality performance.

BACKGROUND: Surgeons' personalities have been described as different from those of the general population, but this was based on small descriptive studies limited by the choice of evaluation instrument. Furthermore, although the importance of the human factor in team performance has been recognized, the effect of personality traits on technical performance is unknown. This study aimed to compare surgical residents' personality traits with those of the general population and to evaluate whether an association exists between their personality traits and technical performance using a virtual reality (VR) laparoscopy simulator. METHODS: In this study, 95 participants (54 residents with basic, 29 with intermediate laparoscopic experience, and 12 students) underwent personality assessment using the NEO-Five Factor Inventory and performed five VR tasks of the Lap Mentor™ basic tasks module. The residents' personality traits were compared with those of the general population, and the association between VR performance and personality traits was investigated. RESULTS: Surgical residents showed personality traits different from those of the general population, demonstrating lower neuroticism, higher extraversion and conscientiousness, and male residents showed greater openness. In the multivariable analysis, adjusted for gender and surgical experience, none of the personality traits was found to be an independent predictor of technical performance. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical residents present distinct personality traits that differ from those of the general population. These traits were not found to be associated with technical performance in a virtual environment. The traits may, however, play an important role in team performance, which in turn is highly relevant for optimal surgical performance.

Access to a simulator is not enough: the benefits of virtual reality training based on peer-group-derived benchmarks--a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Virtual reality (VR) simulators are widely used to familiarize surgical novices with laparoscopy, but VR training methods differ in efficacy. In the present trial, self-controlled basic VR training (SC-training) was tested against training based on peer-group-derived benchmarks (PGD-training). METHODS: First, novice laparoscopic residents were randomized into a SC group (n = 34), and a group using PGD-benchmarks (n = 34) for basic laparoscopic training. After completing basic training, both groups performed 60 VR laparoscopic cholecystectomies for performance analysis. Primary endpoints were simulator metrics; secondary endpoints were program adherence, trainee motivation, and training efficacy. RESULTS: Altogether, 66 residents completed basic training, and 3,837 of 3,960 (96.8 %) cholecystectomies were available for analysis. Course adherence was good, with only two dropouts, both in the SC-group. The PGD-group spent more time and repetitions in basic training until the benchmarks were reached and subsequently showed better performance in the readout cholecystectomies: Median time (gallbladder extraction) showed significant differences of 520 s (IQR 354-738 s) in SC-training versus 390 s (IQR 278-536 s) in the PGD-group (p < 0.001) and 215 s (IQR 175-276 s) in experts, respectively. Path length of the right instrument also showed significant differences, again with the PGD-training group being more efficient. CONCLUSIONS: Basic VR laparoscopic training based on PGD benchmarks with external assessment is superior to SC training, resulting in higher trainee motivation and better performance in simulated laparoscopic cholecystectomies. We recommend such a basic course based on PGD benchmarks before advancing to more elaborate VR training.

Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Surgical Laparoscopic Performance in Novices: A Computer-based Crossover Study.

OBJECTIVE: The 24-hour work shifts are newly permitted to first-year surgical residents in the United States. Whether surgery novices' motor activity is affected by sleep deprivation is controversial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study assesses sleep deprivation effects in computer-simulated laparoscopy in 20 surgical novices following 24 hours of sleep deprivation and after resting using a virtual-reality trainer. Participants were randomly assigned to perform simulator tests either well rested or sleep deprived first. RESULTS: Of 3 different tasks performed, no significant differences in total time to complete the procedure and average speed of instruments were found. Instrument path length was longer following sleep deprivation (P=0.0435) in 1 of 3 tasks. Error rates (ie, noncauterized bleedings, perforations, etc.), as well as precision, and accuracy rates showed no difference. None of the assessed participants' characteristics affected simulator performance. CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-four hours of sleep deprivation does not affect laparoscopic performance of surgical novices as assessed by computer-simulation.

Basic laparoscopic training using the Simbionix LAP Mentor: setting the standards in the novice group.

BACKGROUND: Virtual reality devices are becoming the backbone for laparoscopic training in surgery. However, without knowledge of the achievable metrics of basic training within the trainee group, these simulators cannot be used effectively. Currently, no validated task metrics of the performance of larger trainee groups are available. STUDY DESIGN: From April 2004 to December 2009, we collated an extensive prospective database using the Simbionix LAP Mentor (Simbionix USA, Cleveland, Ohio) for basic laparoscopic training of novice surgeons. This database was used to determine benchmarks for basic skill exercises and procedural tasks that combine stimulus to improve and feasibility with acceptance of the training program and the goal to train for safe surgery. RESULTS: In all, 18,996 task performances of 286 novice trainees were analyzed. For the basic skill exercises, the total time for correct execution ranged between 45 seconds for basic skill 3 (eye-hand coordination) and 269 seconds for basic skill 9 (object placement). For the procedural tasks, the total time for correct execution ranged between 68 seconds for procedural task 1 (clipping and cutting) and 256 seconds for procedural task 3 (dissection). The total time to task completion depended mainly on right instrument path length with high correlation to left instrument path length. Learning curve analyses of the 4 procedural tasks demonstrated performance plateaus after 10-15 repetitions. Most complications occurred during the initial repetitions of the respective task. The best quartile of performances was chosen as peer group benchmark because it provides sufficient stimulus for improvement without discouraging trainees, thus enhancing adherence to the training program. The benchmark for safety and accuracy parameters was set at a predefined level of 95% correct execution. CONCLUSIONS: As experience with virtual reality (VR) training is growing, curricula must be based on benchmarks for efficient training derived from large trainee groups to optimize use of the still costly simulators. Safety parameters should be included in trainee assessment. We share a set of metrics that take into account both performance and feasibility for basic laparoscopic training of surgical novices using the Simbionix LAP Mentor.