Background We performed a cross sectional study to determine the attitudes of surgical trainees and medical students towards virtual reality (VR) simulation in surgical training. A survey was devised through an iterative process before distribution to surgical trainees, foundation year doctors and medical students through online platforms. Methods The survey was disseminated within the United Kingdom through social media and email correspondence, in co-operation with national surgical organisations. 91 trainees responded from a variety of clinical specialities. Results VR technology in surgical training was viewed positively, with 91.3% of trainees agreeing that VR should be both an adjunct in surgical training as well as a competency-based assessment tool. Barriers to access were present, with access notably more challenging for senior surgeons. Conclusion Virtual reality surgical simulation in surgical training is beginning to emerge as a genuine high-fidelity, low-risk solution to the lack of surgical case volume trainees are currently experiencing.
INTRODUCTION Skilled right-hand dominant (RHD) surgeons will have no problem cutting sutures with the right hand but most would struggle to cut with the left hand. We introduce and validate a new technique along with one published previously to improve left-hand dexterity in RHD operating theatre staff. METHODS Forty-seven RHD theatre staff from our trust's trauma and orthopaedic department were recruited for this study. Participants were first asked to cut sutures with the left hand using no particular technique (control group), followed by a new technique (new group) and then a previously published technique (Fang group). RESULTS The use of both techniques improved the participants' ability to cut with their left hand. Only 7 participants (15%) were able to cut the sutures under control conditions while 37 (79%) and 42 (89%) were successful using the new technique and the Fang technique respectively (new group: p=0.007, Fang group: p=0.0001). No significant difference was detected between the two techniques. CONCLUSIONS Both the new technique and the previously published technique to improve the dexterity of cutting sutures with the left hand in RHD surgeons are valid, effective and easy to master.
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