Training on a new, portable, simple simulator transfers to performance of complex bronchoscopy procedures

Introduction: Virtual-reality (VR) simulation provides a safe and effective learning environment prior to practicing on patients. However, existing bronchoscopy simulators are expensive and not easily portable.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of self-directed training on a new, portable, simple simulator measured by transfer of skills to performance of more complex bronchoscopy procedures on an advanced VR simulator.

Methods: Twenty medical students participated in the study. After a general introduction to bronchoscopy, they were randomised into two groups, receiving either self-directed bronchoscopy training using a portable, simple simulator or no manual training. Subsequently, all participants were tested on complex scenarios in an advanced VR simulator using a validated bronchoscopy quality test. Bronchoscopy quality scores were compared using independent samples t-test and correlated with a previously established pass-fail standard.

Results: The intervention group spent an average of 71-min training on the new simulator. The intervention group performed significantly better than the control group, mean bronchoscopy quality score 0.55 [standard deviation (SD) 0.16] vs 0.36 (SD 0.10), P = 0.005, effect size = 1.47. Eight out of 10 participants in the intervention group passed the test compared with only 1 out of 10 in the control group.

Conclusion: The effect of a brief, self-directed training session using a portable, simple simulator was substantial and transferred to performance of more complex skills.