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Face, content and construct validity of a new realistic trainer for conventional techniques in digestive surgery

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Abstract

Purpose

Surgical simulation modules for “open” surgery are limited in contrast to well-studied and validated laparoscopic trainers. In this study, face, content and construct validity of a devised simulation module (Berlin Operation Trainer, BOPT) for handsewn anastomoses in digestive surgery were analysed.

Materials and methods

Participants of a skills course for digestive surgery (novices: 1–3 years of training; experts: more than 5 years of training) were timed on performing four defined handsewn digestive anastomoses on formalin fixed porcine intestine in the BOPT. Questionnaires were answered regarding impression with the simulation module concerning appearance and realism using a five-point Likert and a three-point forced choice scale. Face and content validities were evaluated based on the responses of participants and construct validity by comparing novices to experts. Data collected were analysed with Fisher’s exact test and two-sample t test.

Results

Twenty-two novices (median: second postgraduate year) and 26 experts (median: seventh postgraduate year) were enrolled in the study. The BOPT showed strong face and content validities with average scores for satisfaction parameters above 4.2 ± 0.41 and 4.1 ± 0.22, respectively. Construct validity was adequate for anastomosis simulation in the BOPT based on different percentages of anastomosis complete during set time between novices and experts as shown for simple (68.2% vs. 92.3%, p = 0.038) and for difficult anastomosis (18.2% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.021).

Conclusions

The BOPT is a suitable instrument for advanced surgical training for novices and experienced colleagues creating a realistic and demanding situation. Further studies have to evaluate if a more realistic preoperative training will support an effective transfer of learned techniques to the operating room.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Mr. Breuer and Mr. Lehmann, technical assistants at the CFM of Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Mr. Dipl.-Ing. Lubisch (Polywerk, Berlin, Germany) for the technical implementation and realisation of the plans. We would also like to thank the persons who participated in the validation of the BOPT. The Berlin Operation Trainer (BOPT) is a protected utility patent of Charité University Medicine Berlin, Germany (CH313/2006).

Authors’ contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. J Gröne and J.C. Lauscher were assigned with the acquisition of data. Analysis and interpretation of data was done by all authors. J Gröne took care of the drafting of the manuscript. All authors contributed to the critical revision of the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of General, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200, Berlin, Germany

    Jörn Gröne, Johannes C. Lauscher, Heinz J. Buhr & Joerg-Peter Ritz

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  1. Jörn Gröne
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  2. Johannes C. Lauscher
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  3. Heinz J. Buhr
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  4. Joerg-Peter Ritz
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Correspondence to Jörn Gröne.

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Gröne, J., Lauscher, J.C., Buhr, H.J. et al. Face, content and construct validity of a new realistic trainer for conventional techniques in digestive surgery. Langenbecks Arch Surg 395, 581–588 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00423-010-0641-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00423-010-0641-2

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