Effectiveness of Procedural Simulation in Urology: A Systematic Review: A systematic review

TY - JOUR

T1 - Effectiveness of Procedural Simulation in Urology: A Systematic Review

T2 - A systematic review

AU - Ahmed, Kamran

AU - Jawad, Muhammed

AU - Abboudi, May

AU - Gavazzi, Andrea

AU - Darzi, Ara

AU - Athanasiou, Thanos

AU - Vale, Justin

AU - Khan, Mohammad Shamim

AU - Dasgupta, Prokar

N1 - Copyright © 2011 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

PY - 2011/7

Y1 - 2011/7

N2 - PURPOSE: We analyzed studies validating the effectiveness and deficiencies of simulation for training and assessment in urology. We documented simulation types (synthetic, virtual reality and animal models), participant experience level and tasks performed. The feasibility, validity, cost-effectiveness, reliability and educational impact of the simulators were also evaluated.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MEDLINE®, EMBASE™ and PsycINFO® databases were systematically searched until September 2010. References from retrieved articles were reviewed to broaden the search.RESULTS: The study included case reports, case series and empirical studies of training and assessment in urology using procedural simulation. The model name, training tasks, participant level, training duration and evaluation scoring were extracted from each study. We also extracted data on face, content and construct validity. Most studies suitably addressed content, construct and face validation as well as the feasibility, educational impact and cost-effectiveness of simulation models. Synthetic, animal and virtual reality models were demonstrated to be effective training and assessment tools for junior trainees. Few investigators looked at the transferability of skills from simulation to real patients.CONCLUSIONS: Current simulation models are valid and reliable for the initial phase of training and assessment. For advanced and specialist level skill acquisition animal models can be used but availability is limited due to supply shortages and ethical restrictions. More research is needed to validate simulated environments for senior trainees and specialists.

AB - PURPOSE: We analyzed studies validating the effectiveness and deficiencies of simulation for training and assessment in urology. We documented simulation types (synthetic, virtual reality and animal models), participant experience level and tasks performed. The feasibility, validity, cost-effectiveness, reliability and educational impact of the simulators were also evaluated.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MEDLINE®, EMBASE™ and PsycINFO® databases were systematically searched until September 2010. References from retrieved articles were reviewed to broaden the search.RESULTS: The study included case reports, case series and empirical studies of training and assessment in urology using procedural simulation. The model name, training tasks, participant level, training duration and evaluation scoring were extracted from each study. We also extracted data on face, content and construct validity. Most studies suitably addressed content, construct and face validation as well as the feasibility, educational impact and cost-effectiveness of simulation models. Synthetic, animal and virtual reality models were demonstrated to be effective training and assessment tools for junior trainees. Few investigators looked at the transferability of skills from simulation to real patients.CONCLUSIONS: Current simulation models are valid and reliable for the initial phase of training and assessment. For advanced and specialist level skill acquisition animal models can be used but availability is limited due to supply shortages and ethical restrictions. More research is needed to validate simulated environments for senior trainees and specialists.

KW - Cadaver

KW - Computer Simulation

KW - Education, Medical/methods

KW - Models, Anatomic

KW - Models, Animal

KW - Urology/education

U2 - 10.1016/j.juro.2011.02.2684

DO - 10.1016/j.juro.2011.02.2684

M3 - Review article

C2 - 21571338

SN - 0022-5347

VL - 186

SP - 26

EP - 34

JO - The Journal of urology

JF - The Journal of urology

IS - 1

ER -