Virtual Reality Simulation Training for Surgical Procedures and Back Table Set Up for Nursing and Scrub Technician Students: Innovations in Education
| dc.creator | Nakamura, Ryan | |
| dc.creator | Wright, D-Dré | |
| dc.creator | Fujimoto, Brent | |
| dc.creator | Durocher, Joseph | |
| dc.creator | Rovinsky, David | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-02-27T20:28:57Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-02-27T20:28:57Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Context Current scrub technician/nurse training for specific procedures typically involves observing a senior scrub tech or nurse in the operating room (OR), followed by supervised practice until they are proficient enough to work independently; thus constituting a lack of consensus, standardized training regimens for specific surgical procedures. Virtual reality (VR), specifically the “Osso VR” software, offers a promising solution by allowing scrub techs and nurses to practice in a realistic, low-stress environment that mimics actual operations. It can potentially serve as a quick refresher before surgery or as a standardized method for teaching scrub techs/nurses a new procedure for the first time. Objectives This research aims to provide comprehensive insights into the effectiveness of VR in enhancing the training outcomes of OR scrub techs/nurses for back table setup procedures compared to traditional training methods. Description of Innovation VR offers a dynamic and interactive learning environment that can replicate the OR setting and provide repetitive practice without the risks to patients. The benefits of VR in surgical training have been reported across various specialties, both for medical residents and nurses, indicating its potential as an educational tool to enhance skill acquisition and reduce error rates. However, there is extremely limited research into the efficacy of educational training for surgical scrub techs/nurses. Evaluation of Innovation A randomized, controlled, single-blinded study comparing the use of VR training versus traditional training methods will be carried out to assess proficiency, efficiency, and accuracy of back table set up procedures for a total knee arthroplasty. Groups will be randomly assigned to a “VR group” and “traditional learning group” to train students on this procedure. The VR intervention will be carried out through the OSSO VR software, compatible with an Oculus VR headset while the traditional learning group will be provided a standard lecture-based educational session. They will then be asked to perform a back table set up, which will be graded by blinded attending surgeon using procedure-specific checklists and 5-point global assessment scale. Trainees will then be surveyed about their attitudes and experience with the VR training process. Discussion/Key Message By demonstrating the potential benefits of VR training, we hope to encourage its broader adoption in surgical education. Enhancing the training efficacy for scrub techs and nurses not only improves their preparedness and confidence but also contributes to overall patient safety, surgical efficiency, and surgical outcomes. Additionally, scrub techs and nurses may also undergo VR training of the actual surgical procedure, something that they would be unable to do in reality. The combination of this virtual surgical experience and the practice of VR back table set up will give the entire surgical team valuable insights into the procedure itself and foster a cohesive and collaborative working environment, all while being done in a way that is simple, enjoyable, and low-pressure. The findings from this study could pave the way for implementation of advanced technology and standardization of training for OR personnel - a large step forward from the “see one, do one, and teach one” approach that is currently in practice. Target Audience This pilot study will be tailored towards scrub tech and nursing students with the hopes of garnering this approach’s acceptance to every member of a surgical team. We envision the use of VR OR training for medical students, surgical residents, and even attending surgeons as a means to train and create fully competent and confident members of the surgical team. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/10125/110287 | |
| dc.rights | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ | |
| dc.title | Virtual Reality Simulation Training for Surgical Procedures and Back Table Set Up for Nursing and Scrub Technician Students: Innovations in Education | |
| dcterms.type | Text |