The role of smartphone game applications in improving laparoscopic skills

Abstract

Background

Virtual games (VGs) have a positive impact on laparoscopic skills. Time spent playing, the console and the type of game used correlate with the speed of acquisition of laparoscopic skills and their preservation.

Methods

A total of 45 university medical students with no previous surgical experience were divided into three groups: gamers (n=20), control (n=10) and intervention (n=15). They passed the laparoscopic skills testing and training model, developed by the European Academy of Gynecological Surgery, over two sessions. Every 5 intervention participants were asked to play a different smartphone application game daily for 2 months between the two sessions. Scores were calculated at both sessions and used to calculate the evolution ratio between sessions.

Results

Significant advantage was found at session 1 of gamers over non-gamers (p=0.002). No significant difference existed between the two non-gamer groups (p=0.96), or between the three intervention sub-groups (p>0.05). All participants’ performances improved between sessions. No significant difference existed in evolution between control and gamers (p=0.121), nor between intervention and gamers (p=0.189). Significant advantage was found in evolutions of the intervention group over control group (p=0.035).

Conclusion

Previous VG experience is a significant factor in showing better laparoscopic skills when virtual reality simulator is used for the first time. Recent and regular smartphone gaming practice significantly improves laparoscopic skills in non-gamers independently of the type of game practiced. Smartphone gaming practice appears to influence positively some specific laparoscopic skills more than others.

Keywords:

• virtual games
• laparoscopic psychomotor skills
• training
• smartphone
• dry lab

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Response to the article titled “The role of smartphone game applications in improving laparoscopic skills”

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Karl Storz, Beirut, for providing the facility, materials and support needed to conduct this study.

Disclosure

Dr Zaki Sleiman is a consultant for Karl Storz. He declares that his relationship with the company has no impact upon the scientific value and the content of the submitted work. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.