Virtual Reality in Orthopaedic Surgical Education: A Randomized Controlled Trial (VR-ORS)

University of Toronto

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Orthopaedic Training; Surgical Education; Virtual Reality

Treatments: Device: Immersive virtual reality (IVR); Other: Traditional hands on orthopaedic workshop group

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05830786

44020

Details and patient eligibility

About

Immersive virtual reality (IVR) surgical simulators are increasingly being used for learner education. The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the efficacy of IVR to hands-on orthopaedic workshop sessions (such as arthroscopy simulators, cadaveric models, and Sawbones®) in various orthopaedic subspecialties (such as sports, arthroplasty, and spine surgery).

Overall, in this multi-stage comprehensive randomized controlled the aim is to assess:

1. If IVR simulation using head-mounted displays (HMD) is superior to the current standard of training for orthopaedic surgery residents and medical students.
2. Determine if it is feasible to incorporate immersive headset virtual reality simulation into residency training programs and medical school curriculums.
3. Assess the longitudinal application of IVR training on medical student and resident surgical education.

Full description

Study Stages:

Stage 1 - Medical students and orthopaedic residents participating in the Canadian Orthopaedic Surgery Medical Education Course 2023 (COSMEC) will be selected and computer randomized (1:1) into two groups of experimental (IVR) and control (arthroscopy simulator box), based on level of training. Allocation concealment will be ensured using central randomization. Trainees in both groups will receive a common didactic training for knee arthroscopy. Subsequently, trainees in the experimental group will undergo a IVR surgical training module and trainees in the control group will undergo a similar module using arthroscopy simulator box. Following the training modules, participants will complete knowledge tests, technical skill assessments on knee arthroscopy simulators, and experiential surveys.

Stage 2 - Medical students and orthopaedic residents participating in the 2023 University of Toronto Orthopaedic Surgery bootcamp will be selected and computer randomized (1:1) into two groups of experimental (IVR) and control (sawbones), based on level of training. Allocation concealment will be ensured using central randomization. Trainees in both groups will receive a common didactic training for femoral intramedullary nail (IMN) placement. Subsequently, trainees in the experimental group will undergo a IVR surgical training module and trainees in the control group will undergo a similar module using Sawbones ®. Following the training modules, participants will complete knowledge tests, technical skill assessments on cadaveric models, and experiential surveys.

Stage 3 - The protocol explained in stage 1 and 2 may be repeated for various orthopaedic sub-speciality (including arthroplasty and spine surgery) for the participants in the booth camp.

Stage 4 - All trainees may then be followed longitudinally over the course 6 months. Trainees' performance may be evaluated for procedures in which training was provided, based on preceptor evaluations (for example by completing standardised evaluation forms) on a voluntary basis.

Enrollment: 50 estimated patients

Sex: All

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Being a University of Toronto medical student.
• Being a University of Toronto orthopaedic surgery resident.

Exclusion criteria

• Previous graduation from an orthopaedic surgery residency in Canada or abroad.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Other

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

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50 participants in 2 patient groups

Immersive virtual reality (IVR) group

Experimental group

Description:

The experimental group will experience various surgical training modules using immersive virtual reality.

Treatment:

Device: Immersive virtual reality (IVR)

Traditional hands on orthopaedic workshop group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Hands-on orthopaedic workshop sessions (including arthroscopy simulators, cadaveric models, and Sawbones®) in differing orthopaedic subspecialties (including sports, arthroplasty, and spine surgery).

Treatment:

Other: Traditional hands on orthopaedic workshop group