Automated Metrics in a Virtual-Reality Myringotomy Simulator: Development and Construct Validity

The objectives of this study were: 1) to develop and implement a set of automated performance metrics into the Western myringotomy simulator, and 2) to establish construct validity. Study Design: Prospective simulator-based assessment study. Setting: The Auditory Biophysics Laboratory at Western University, London, Ontario, Canada. Participants: Eleven participants were recruited from the Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery at Western University: four senior otolaryngology consultants and seven junior otolaryngology residents. Interventions: Educational simulation. Main Outcome Measure: Discrimination between expert and novice participants on five primary automated performance metrics: 1) time to completion, 2) surgical errors, 3) incision angle, 4) incision length, and 5) the magnification of the microscope. Methods: Automated performance metrics were developed, programmed, and implemented into the simulator. Participants were given a standardized simulator orientation and instructions on myringotomy and tube placement. Each participant then performed 10 procedures and automated metrics were collected. The metrics were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction. Results: All metrics discriminated senior otolaryngologists from junior residents with a significance of p 
Source: Otology and Neurotology - Category: ENT & OMF Tags: Medical Neurotology Source Type: research