Virtual Reality Simulator for Training on Surgery Ergonomics Skills

  • Hind Alsharif Phd King Abdulaziz University
  • Wadee Alhalabi Computer Science Department, Dar Alhekma University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
  • Khalid Bajunaid Division of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
  • Richard Satava Professor Emeritus of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
  • Alaa Arafah Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
  • Mohammed Alyousef Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
  • Saleh Baeesa Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
  • Abdulrahman J. Sabbagh Clinical Skills Simulation Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36909/jer.12241

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: (1) Background: This paper aims to assess the needs of neurosurgical training in order to strategize the future plans for simulation and rehearsal. (2) Methods: An online questionnaire was conducted among surgeons practicing in different countries across the globe. They were each asked 28 questions regarding their personal profile, rehearsal methods, neurosurgeons’ awareness of virtual reality simulation technology, and the gaps that exist in preoperative neurosurgical training. (3) Results: The questionnaire was filled by 77 respondents with different levels of education: 73.6%, 56 board-certified surgeons, 9.2%,7 senior residents, 7.8%, 6 specialists, and 9.2%, 7 junior residents, and one responder didn’t mention his educational level. There were significant differences in rehearsal methods and surgical teaching methods practiced by the respondents. Among respondents, 90% did believe that virtual reality technology can serve surgical training, and almost all respondents agreed that there is a gap in the existing neurosurgical training in terms of operating room ergonomics. (4) Conclusion: Almost 90% of respondents agreed that patient preparation phases and body positioning training is as important as other surgical skills when compared. All respondents were also in agreement that there needs to be an ergonomics training program in order to decrease musculoskeletal fatigue and injury to themselves and their team members. The findings of this paper indicate that most doctors believe their physical health is affected by operating environment. Adequate education on surgical ergonomics might lead to an improvement in the outcomes for both surgeon and patient.

Published
2021-12-22
Issue
Online First Articles
Section
Computer Engineering