Anatomy-Specific Virtual Reality Simulation in Temporal Bone Dissection: Perceived Utility and Impact on Surgeon Confidence

Objective To evaluate the effect of anatomy-specific virtual reality (VR) surgical rehearsal on surgeon confidence and temporal bone dissection performance. Study Design Prospective pre- and poststudy of a novel virtual surgical rehearsal platform. Setting Academic otolaryngology–head and neck surgery residency training programs. Subjects and Methods Sixteen otolaryngology–head and neck surgery residents from 2 North American training institutions were recruited. Surveys were administered to assess subjects' baseline confidence in performing 12 subtasks of cortical mastoidectomy with facial recess. A cadaver temporal bone was randomly assigned to each subject. Cadaver specimens were scanned with a clinical computed tomography protocol, allowing the creation of anatomy-specific models for use in a VR surgical rehearsal platform. Subjects then rehearsed a virtual mastoidectomy on data sets derived from their specimens. Surgical confidence surveys were administered again. Subjects then dissected assigned cadaver specimens, which were blindly graded with a modified Welling scale. A final survey assessed the perceived utility of rehearsal on dissection performance. Results Of 16 subjects, 14 (87.5%) reported a significant increase in overall confidence after conducting an anatomy-specific VR rehearsal. A significant correlation existed between perceived utility of rehearsal and confidence improvement. The effect of rehearsal on confidence was dependent on trainee experience and the inherent difficulty of the surgical subtask. Postrehearsal confidence correlated strongly with graded dissection performance. Subjects rated anatomy-specific rehearsal as having a moderate to high contribution to their dissection performance. Conclusion Anatomy-specific virtual rehearsal improves surgeon confidence in performing mastoid dissection, dependent on surgeon experience and task difficulty. The subjective confidence gained through rehearsal correlates positively with subsequent objective dissection performance.

Download Full-text

Assessment of a virtual reality temporal bone surgical simulator: a national face and content validity study

Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery ◽

10.1186/s40463-020-00411-y ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 49 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Evan C. Compton ◽

Sumit K. Agrawal ◽

Hanif M. Ladak ◽

Sonny Chan ◽

Monica Hoy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Head And Neck ◽

Temporal Bone ◽

Surgical Training ◽

Content Validity ◽

Neck Surgery ◽

Head And Neck Surgery ◽

Face Validity ◽

Traditional Teaching ◽

Surgical Simulator

Abstract Background Trainees in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery must gain proficiency in a variety of challenging temporal bone surgical techniques. Traditional teaching has relied on the use of cadavers; however, this method is resource-intensive and does not allow for repeated practice. Virtual reality surgical training is a growing field that is increasingly being adopted in Otolaryngology. CardinalSim is a virtual reality temporal bone surgical simulator that offers a high-quality, inexpensive adjunct to traditional teaching methods. The objective of this study was to establish the face and content validity of CardinalSim through a national study. Methods Otolaryngologists and resident trainees from across Canada were recruited to evaluate CardinalSim. Ethics approval and informed consent was obtained. A face and content validity questionnaire with questions categorized into 13 domains was distributed to participants following simulator use. Descriptive statistics were used to describe questionnaire results, and either Chi-square or Fishers exact tests were used to compare responses between junior residents, senior residents, and practising surgeons. Results Sixty-two participants from thirteen different Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery programs were included in the study (32 practicing surgeons; 30 resident trainees). Face validity was achieved for 5 out of 7 domains, while content validity was achieved for 5 out of 6 domains. Significant differences between groups (p-value of < 0.05) were found for one face validity domain (realistic ergonomics, p = 0.002) and two content validity domains (teaching drilling technique, p = 0.011 and overall teaching utility, p = 0.006). The assessment scores, global rating scores, and overall attitudes towards CardinalSim, were universally positive. Open-ended questions identified limitations of the simulator. Conclusion CardinalSim met acceptable criteria for face and content validity. This temporal bone virtual reality surgical simulation platform may enhance surgical training and be suitable for patient-specific surgical rehearsal for practicing Otolaryngologists.

Download Full-text

Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Physician Work Force Issues

Otolaryngology ◽

10.1177/0194599811433977 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 146 (2) ◽

pp. 196-202 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Jin Suk C. Kim ◽

Richard A. Cooper ◽

David W. Kennedy

Keyword(s):

Head And Neck ◽

Census Data ◽

Supply And Demand ◽

Insurance Coverage ◽

Neck Surgery ◽

The United States ◽

Economic Modeling ◽

Head And Neck Surgery ◽

Population Census ◽

Data Sets

Objective. To predict future trends in the otolaryngology workforce and propose solutions to correct the identified discrepancies between supply and demand. Study Design. Economic modeling and analysis. Setting. Data sets at national medical and economic organizations. Subjects and Methods. Based on current American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, American Medical Association, and National Residency Matching Program data sets, population census data, and historical physician growth demand curves, the future otolaryngology workforce supply and demand were modeled. Adjustments were made for projected increases in mid-level providers, increased insurance coverage, and the potential effects of lifestyle preferences. Results. There are currently approximately 8600 otolaryngologists in the United States. Estimated demand by 2025 is 11,127 based on projected population growth and anticipated increase in insurance coverage. With an average retirement age of 65 years and no increase in PGY-1 positions for the specialty, the number of otolaryngologists in 2025 will be approximately 2500 short of projected demand. This shortfall will not be adequately compensated by mid-level providers performing less intensive services and may be increased by lifestyle preferences and changing demographics among medical students and residents. The current geographic maldistribution of otolaryngologists is likely to be exacerbated. Conclusion. The specialty needs to actively plan for the coming otolaryngologist shortage and train mid-level providers within the specialty. Failure to plan appropriately may result in a reduction in scope of practice of high-intensity services, which will likely remain a physician prerogative. Given the limited likelihood of a significant increase in residency slots, strong consideration should be given to shortening the base otolaryngology training program length.

Download Full-text