App-based serious gaming for training of chest tube insertion: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundChest tube insertion is a standard intervention for management of various injuries of the thorax. Quick and accurate execution facilitates efficient therapy without further complications. Here, we propose a new training concept comprised of e-learning elements as well as continuous rating using an objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) tool. The study protocol is presented for a randomized trial to evaluate e-learning with app-based serious gaming for chest drain insertion.MethodsThe proposed randomized trial will be carried out at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology at Heidelberg University in the context of regular curricular teaching for medical students (n = 90, 3rd to 6th year). The intervention group will use e-learning with the serious gaming app Touch Surgery (TM) for chest drain insertion, whereas the control group uses serious gaming for an unrelated procedure. Primary endpoint is operative performance of chest drain insertion in a porcine cadaveric model according to OSATS.DiscussionThe randomized trial will help determine the value of e-learning with the serious gaming app Touch Surgery (TM) for chest drain insertion by using the OSATS score. The study will improve surgical training for trauma situations.Trial registrationTrial Registration Number, DRKS00009994. Registered on 27 May 2016.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-017-1799-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Evaluation of App-Based Serious Gaming as a Training Method in Teaching Chest Tube Insertion to Medical Students: Randomized Controlled Trial

“…In addition, we used an objective structural assessment of technical skills (OSATS) to advance and standardize training. The current OSATS tool for CTI was developed based on key steps of correct CTI that were modified and revised by a team of trauma and general surgeons [ 1 ]. This study was designed as a prospective, single-center, rater-blinded, two-arm, parallel group randomized controlled trial (RCT), and the study protocol was published in 2017 [ 1 ].…”

“…No matter what the underlying cause, to increase the benefit for the patient, the insertion of a chest tube should be as quick and accurate as possible [ 1 ]. Therefore, profound anatomical knowledge, meticulous positioning, and standardized execution are crucial for the success of this therapy [ 1 ]. Due to the proximity of thoracic and abdominal organs, incorrect insertion of a chest tube might lead to potentially lethal complications [ 2 ].…”

“…Due to the proximity of thoracic and abdominal organs, incorrect insertion of a chest tube might lead to potentially lethal complications [ 2 ]. Therefore, comprehensive training and assessment before an emergency situation are essential in acquiring proficiency in chest tube insertion (CTI) [ 1 ]. Over the last years, the education of junior doctors and medical students has become more diverse, voluminous, and challenging.…”

“…Therefore, there is an increasing need for comprehensive, objective, and resource-sparing educational concepts that ensure a high-quality education of standardized procedures without impairing patient safety [ 3 ]. In particular, early and decisive training using an educational tool might standardize execution of CTI and ultimately improve emergency care of traumatized patients and patients’ outcome [ 1 ].…”

Courting Apocalypse: Creating a Zombie-Themed Evidence-Based Medicine Game

“…4 Within the medical education curriculum, gaming has become increasingly more established as projects have been designed and validated by research. At a training center at Heidelberg University, medical students between their third and sixth year participated in a game intended to provide instruction on correct chest tube insertion, 5 which has recently been the subject of a randomized controlled trial. At the National University of Singapore, over 200 Phase III medical students used an interactive iPad game to learn about patient safety issues in surgery, 6 which resulted in progressively improved understanding of patient safety.…”