EASIER: A new model for online learning of minimally invasive surgery skills.

INTRODUCTION: Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) can provide the tools to safely master minimally invasive surgery (MIS) skills in patient-free environments and receive immediate objective feedback without the constant presence of an instructor. However, TEL-based systems tend to work isolated from one another, focus on different skills, and fail to provide contents without a sound pedagogical background. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this descriptive study is to present in detail EASIER, an innovative TEL platform for surgical and interventional training, as well as the results of its validation. METHODS: EASIER provides a Learning Management System (LMS) for institutions and content creators that can connect and integrate TEL "external assets" (virtual reality simulators, augmented box trainers, augmented videos, etc.) addressing different skills. The platform integrates all skills under an Assessment Module that measures skills' progress in different courses. Finally, it provides content creators with a pedagogical model to scaffold contents while retaining flexibility to approach course design with different training philosophies in mind. Three courses were developed and hosted in the platform to validate it with end-users in terms of usability, performance, learning results in the courses and student self-perception on learning. RESULTS: In total 111 volunteers completed the validation. The study was limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited access to external assets (virtual reality simulators). Nevertheless, usability was rated with 73.1 in the System Usability Scale. Most positive aspects on performance were easiness to access the platform, easiness to change the configuration and not requiring additional plug-ins to use the platform. The platform was rated above average in the six scales of the User Experience Questionnaire. Overall, student results improved significantly across the three courses (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides, within its limitations, evidence on the usefulness of the EASIER platform for distance learning of MIS skills. Results show the potential impact of the platform and are an encouraging boost for the future, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

#Erasmus+ ­ or surgical research, development and innovation at the Department of Surgical Research and Techniques at Semmelweis University / #Erasmus+ - avagy sebészeti kutatás-fejlesztés és innováció a Semmelweis Egyetem Kísérletes és Sebészeti Mutéttani Tanszékén

The European Union is earmarking more and more resources each cycle to support research, development and innovation, and the projects set up by the working groups are helping to develop innovative solutions to reflecting societal issues of today. Since 2014, the Department of Surgical Research and Techniques of the Cardiovascular Center at Semmelweis University has been participating in international consortia supported by the Erasmus+ programme, which aim to modernise the teaching methodology of surgical training and to integrate IT technology into the training of surgical residents at pan-European level. This paper briefly summarises the international projects in which the Department has been involved over the last 7 years.