Transferring simulated arthroscopic skills to the operating theatre

TLDR

The study examined whether laboratory‑based simulator training improves junior orthopaedic trainees’ performance in diagnostic knee arthroscopy. Twenty trainees were randomized to receive bench‑top knee simulator training or no additional training, then given standard theatre instruction, and their performance was objectively measured with motion analysis and validated assessment tools. Simulator‑trained trainees performed significantly better than untrained trainees on the Orthopaedic Competence Assessment Project score (p = 0.0007) and global rating scale (p = 0.0011), demonstrating skill transfer to the operating theatre and supporting future curriculum planning.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of laboratory-based simulator training on the ability of surgical trainees to perform diagnostic arthroscopy of the knee. A total of 20 junior orthopaedic trainees were randomised to receive either a fixed protocol of arthroscopic simulator training on a bench-top knee simulator or no additional training. Motion analysis was used to assess performance objectively. Each trainee then received traditional instruction and demonstrations of diagnostic arthroscopy of the knee in theatre before performing the procedure under the supervision of a blinded consultant trainer. Their performance was assessed using a procedure-based assessment from the Orthopaedic Competence Assessment Project and a five-point global rating assessment scale. In theatre the simulator-trained group performed significantly better than the untrained group using the Orthopaedic Competence Assessment Project score (p = 0.0007) and assessment by the global rating scale (p = 0.0011), demonstrating the transfer of psychomotor skills from simulator training to arthroscopy in the operating theatre. This has implications for the planning of future training curricula.