Yonsei Med J.  2012 Mar;53(2):304-309. 10.3349/ymj.2012.53.2.304.

The Box Simulator Is Useful for Training Novice Endoscopists in Basic Endoscopic Techniques

• Cha JM
• Lee JI
• Joo KR
• Shin HP
• Park JJ
• Jeon JW
• Lim JU
• Lym K

• KMID: 1120196
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2012.53.2.304

Abstract

PURPOSE
The present study was aimed at evaluating the usefulness of box simulators for training novice endoscopists.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
An explanation of the goals, contents, and features of the simulator was given to study participants. The participants then received "hands-on training" in gastrointestinal endoscopy techniques using a box simulator. Subsequently, they were asked to answer 19 structured questions about the simulator. Ratings were scored on a scale from 1 to 5 for questions concerning their first impression of the simulator. Questions on the usefulness of the simulator and the training course were answered as "agree", "disagree", or "no opinion".
RESULTS
A total of 32 participants filled out the questionnaire. The mean scores on the simulator's usefulness, features, and realistic movements before the training were between 1.5 and 2.0. There were no significant differences between the mean values of the scores given by novice users compared to non-novice users. However, after receiving training on the simulator, 90.6% of the participants considered the box simulator a generally useful tool for learning basic endoscopic techniques, and 90.6% agreed that the simulator was useful for improving hand-eye coordination.
CONCLUSION
Box simulators may be useful for training novice endoscopists in basic gastrointestinal endoscopic techniques.

Keyword

Education; endoscopy; simulator; training

MeSH Terms

*Computer Simulation
Endoscopy/*education
Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal/education
Humans
Questionnaires

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The EGD simulator (Model LM022, Koken Co., Ltd., Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan). It consists of one opening for insertion on a box weighing 6.9 kg and measuring 51.8×28.8×18.8 cm. EGD, esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

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