Work

Enhancing surgical instrument assembly training through virtual reality: A case study on laparoscopic forceps

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Proper reprocessing of surgical instruments is essential for patient safety and infection prevention. Inadequate assembly can compromise sterilization, delay procedures, and increase the risk of health care-associated infections. Existing training methods for sterilization staff are often informal and lack standardization. The aim is to design and validate a virtual reality (VR) training system to improve the assembly and disassembly skills of laparoscopic forceps among health care professionals. METHODS: We codeveloped a VR training tool with clinical staff at Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal. The system simulates the assembly of laparoscopic instruments and provides real-time performance feedback. Thirty health care professionals tested the tool and completed a System Usability Scale questionnaire to evaluate its realism, usability, and training utility. RESULTS: Participants rated the system highly for realism (mean 4.73/5), immersion, and ease of use. Most reported improved understanding of the instrument assembly process. Performance metrics, including errors and completion time, were collected and visualized using a desktop application. Only one participant experienced mild discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: This VR-based simulation provides a safe, engaging, and effective training environment for surgical instrument reprocessing. It addresses existing gaps in education and may contribute to improved procedural accuracy and infection prevention.

Source: American Journal of Infection Control

DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2025.09.018