Operating room introduction for the novice

Background: This study assessed the implementation of a theater induction curriculum through a didactic lecture, an online Second Life operating room, and a simulated operating suite.

Methods: Sixty operating room novices were randomized into 4 groups: control (n = 15), didactic lecture (n = 15), Second Life (n = 15), and simulated operating suite (n = 15). The study followed a pretest and posttest design with a training intervention between operating room attendances. Outcome measures were knowledge, skills, and attitudes, measured using observed behavior and a self-report scale, with knowledge further assessed using multiple-choice questionnaires.

Results: The lecture, Second Life, and simulated operating suite groups demonstrated significant improvements in all outcome measures. After the intervention, these 3 groups had significantly higher behavior (P < .001), self-report (P < .05), and knowledge (P < .05) scores than the control group.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates the value of delivering a theater induction curriculum for operating room preparation.