Feasibility, usability and validity assessment of a novel plug-and-play virtual endoscopy simulator
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background A virtual endoscopy simulator with a 3D-printed endoscope handle (“Endonix®”) that can be used without dedicated equipment (“plug and play”) to train endoscope handling has yet not been tested. We prospectively evaluated the simulator’s validity, feasibility, and usability in novices, beginners, and experienced endoscopists. Methods Delegates at two congresses (DGVS and ENDOCLUBNORD, both 2024 in Germany) were invited. 310 complete datasets (146 DGVS, 164 ENDOCLUBNORD) were analyzed. Each participant performed two different simulation modules and completed a survey comprising questions on endoscopy experience, simulator evaluation, as well as the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). Results The simulator demonstrated good face validity, but only merely sufficient content validity as 67.8% of all participants favored its implementation into endoscopy training. Construct validity was also favorable as experienced endoscopists completed both modules faster than novices or beginners ( P < 0.001). In line, criterion validity was given as performance correlated with self-assessed experience. The SUS yielded 75 out of 100 points (corresponding to good usability) with no discernible difference between novices, beginners, and experienced endoscopists. The NASA-TLX, ranging from 0 to 600 points, reflecting level of exhaustion, exhibited a higher score in novices and beginners than experienced endoscopists (285 vs. 210 vs. 225 points, respectively, P < 0.001). Only 16.1% of participants had access to a simulator at their respective institutions, while 79.4% wished for the incorporation of simulators into endoscopy training. Conclusion The first validation of a novel virtual simulator demonstrated its feasibility and usability, with mostly sufficient validity. Many participants favored its implementation in endoscopy training, particularly for novice and beginner endoscopists, who were identified as the most suitable target learners. Graphical Abstract
Source: Surgical Endoscopy
Authors: Philipp Hohlstein, Marcus Hollenbach, Oscar Cahyadi, Maximilian Beck, Miriam Bittel, Stavros Dimitriadis, Jakob Garbe, Mark E. Geissler, Myriam W. Heilani, Yvonne Huber, Alexander Koch, Leah Kruse, Antonia Mondorf, Sophie Schlosser-Hupf, Jonas J. Staudacher, Lukas Welsch, Thomas von Hahn, Florian A. Michael, Karim Hamesch, the JuGa-Collaborators, Nada Abedin, Jamal Ali, Moritz Backes, Christopher Dietz-Fricke, Christian Dietrich, Hans-Peter Erasmus, Lukas Hiebel, Dorothea Henniger, Mate Knabe, Katja Lieber, Viliam Masaryk, Benjamin Moser, Sandra Nagl, Elisabeth Orgler-Gasche, Özgül Pamukcu-Cerciz, Alexander Queck, Stefanie Reichermeier, Basem Salayma, Martin Schich, Berenice Schulte, Thomas Wagner
Institutions: Universitätsklinikum Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, University Hospital in Halle, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Else Kröner Fresenius Center for Digital Health, Technische Universität Dresden, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital Frankfurt, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, University Hospital Regensburg, University of Regensburg, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Klinikum Hanau, Asklepios Klinik Barmbek
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,390
Funder: RWTH Aachen University
OpenAlex ID: W4417007077