Virtual Simulation Versus High-Fidelity Mannequin Simulation

Virtual Simulation Versus High-Fidelity Mannequin Simulation to Train Anesthesia Residents

Background. Despite remarkable progress, pediatric anesthesia-related mortality remains 2 to 30 times higher than in adults. Non-technical skills rather than a lack of expertise were identified to be the main cause of errors in medicine, particularly in emergency situations. As a consequence, interactive computer-based sessions and high-fidelity simulation have been progressively integrated into pediatric training programs. The setup of a suitable simulation center, however, is expensive and requires space, logistical support and manpower. Virtual reality (VR) is a technological innovation that has been increasingly integrated into clinical practice and medical training. Comparing to the mannequin-based simulation, theoretical advantages of VR are the inherent highly immersive quality, the independent participation with no need of other participants, the ease of multiple repetitions, the lack of time or space constrains, and the reduced costs. Non-technical and operational skills appear to improve significantly after VR training. To date, information on the efficacy of VR in the anesthesia training are limited.

Objectives. The primary aim will be to compare the improvement of non-technical skills after one simulation session between VR and high-fidelity mannequin simulation (HFS). Secondary aims will be to compare the overall anesthesia resident non-technical skills performance between VR and HFS, and to determine confidence in the simulation training of each participant.

Methods. This is a prospective, randomized, non-inferiority study. Eighteen residents in anesthesia (R1-R5) will be enrolled. Participants of each year will be randomly allocated to be involved in either a VR or a HFS training. The scenario will be the same for both VR and HFS groups. Within two weeks after the training session, all participants will undergo a different, mannequin-based HFS scenario.

After each simulation, resident performance will be assessed using the Anaesthetists' Non-Technical Skills scale and the Ottawa Crisis Resource Management Global Rating Scale. Evaluators will also perform a summary evaluation with the Managing Emergencies in Pediatric Anesthesia Global Rating Scale.

Resident's satisfaction will be measured with a post-assessment trainee survey scale.

Significance. Should the virtual reality demonstrate to be as efficient as mannequin-based simulation, it will be integrated into the residency curriculum and used for resident training and medical education in institutions that have limited access to a simulation center.

Study Overview

Detailed Description

Background. Despite remarkable progress, pediatric anesthesia-related mortality remains 2 to 30 times higher than in adults. Non-technical skills rather than a lack of expertise were identified to be the main cause of errors in medicine, particularly in emergency situations. As a consequence, interactive computer-based sessions and high-fidelity simulation have been progressively integrated into pediatric training programs. The setup of a suitable simulation center, however, is expensive and requires space, logistical support and manpower. Virtual reality (VR) is a technological innovation that has been increasingly integrated into clinical practice and medical training. Comparing to the mannequin-based simulation, theoretical advantages of VR are the inherent highly immersive quality, the independent participation with no need of other participants, the ease of multiple repetitions, the lack of time or space constrains, and the reduced costs. Non-technical and operational skills appear to improve significantly after VR training. To date, information on the efficacy of VR in the anesthesia training are limited.

Objectives. The primary aim will be to compare the improvement of non-technical skills after one simulation session between VR and high-fidelity mannequin simulation (HFS). Secondary aims will be to compare the overall anesthesia resident non-technical skills performance between VR and HFS, and to determine confidence in the simulation training of each participant.

Methods. This is a prospective, randomized, non-inferiority study. Twenty residents in anesthesia (R1-R5) will be enrolled. Participants of each year will be randomly allocated to be involved in either a VR or a HFS training. The scenario will be the same for both VR and HFS groups. Within three weeks after the training session, all participants will undergo a different, mannequin-based HFS scenario.

After each simulation, resident performance will be assessed using the Anaesthetists' Non-Technical Skills scale and the Ottawa Crisis Resource Management Global Rating Scale. Evaluators will also perform a summary evaluation with the Managing Emergencies in Pediatric Anesthesia Global Rating Scale.

Resident's satisfaction will be measured with a post-assessment trainee survey scale.

Significance. Should the virtual reality demonstrate to be as efficient as mannequin-based simulation, it will be integrated into the residency curriculum and used for resident training and medical education in institutions that have limited access to a simulation center.

Study Type

Expanded Access

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Child
  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

N/A

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Participants will be included if they are residents enrolled in the Anesthesia Residency program at the McGill University

Exclusion Criteria:

  • . Participants will be excluded if they refuse or if they have a history of Virtual Reality Induced Symptoms and Effects (VRISE).

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

September 2, 2021

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

September 2, 2021

First Posted (Actual)

September 10, 2021

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

April 18, 2023

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

April 13, 2023

Last Verified

April 1, 2023

More Information

Terms related to this study

Other Study ID Numbers

  • 2021-7663

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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