OBJECTIVE: To determine if a novel, hands-free, multi monitor, pointer improves instruction efficiency in a simulated laparoscopy environment.
METHODS: Twenty arbitrary instruction points were selected on a picture of a partially dissected cholecystectomy within a laparoscopic trainer box. A single instructor guided twenty trainees to locate points with a laparoscopic instrument. Points were visible to the instructor only and for each trainee were allocated randomly into ten point groups with the instructor providing guidance with verbal instruction only (VERBAL) and with a hands-free, head controlled pointer that appeared on both the instructor’s and trainees’ monitors (POINTER). Time to locate each point was measured with the primary outcome being time to locate ten points. RESULTS: Randomization led to equal distribution of points between study groups (p=0.902). There was a significant negative correlation between trainee number and task time in the VERBAL (r= -0.586, p=0.007 ) and POINTER groups (r=-0.713, p=0.001) indicating the instructor improved with both tasks over time. Total task time was significantly shorter with POINTER than VERBAL guidance alone (65+/-14s vs. 119+/-34s, p
Session: Poster
Program Number: P236