Background
Even prior to the pandemic, orthopaedic surgeons at NHS St Georges Hospital in the UK were seeking more exposure to hands-on and data-driven learning opportunities to shorten the learning curve of surgical training. Access to cadaver labs and hands-on training was, and is still, limited. There was a clear need for a training tool to bridge the gap and maintain development in their orthopaedic program.
The Business Challenge
The Fundamental Surgery platform orthopaedic simulations were deployed with the HapticVRTM technology incorporated to create the precise sense of touch for surgical approaches and procedures, allowing orthopaedic surgeons to acquire the necessary skills transfer.
The surgical trainee is tasked with using the Fundamental Surgery simulator to learn the steps and skills of the procedure and improve their performance. The trainee is able to perform each step of the surgery, receiving real time feedback as they progress through the procedure. The simulator gives not only the sense of touch but also accurately measures angles, depths and efficiency of movement in a fully immersive space allowing for repetition and building muscle memory. This data is then compiled into a data dashboard which can be access via any web browser, allowing the trainer and trainee to track progress and identify areas of strength and areas which may need more practice.
Results
At NHS St Georges the Fundamental Surgery platform has been mandated to be part of the orthopaedic training program. All the Junior Orthopedic Research Fellow’s, Core Trainees and Orthopaedic Registrars are able to access and utilise the FVR Platform on a regular basis.
Supervising consultants are able to review their overall cohort’s or individual dashboards and monitor progress, as well as issue CPD certificate at the end of their placement for each procedure based on the points recommended by the Royal College of Surgeons of England. As part of the Deanery Training days, the platform is now used to add another dimension to the didactic session and cadaveric sessions run.
