JMIR Research Protocols (Jul 2021)

Virtual Interactive Surgical Skills Classroom: Protocol for a Parallel-Group, Noninferiority, Adjudicator-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial (VIRTUAL)

  • Arjun Nathan,
  • Monty Fricker,
  • Sonam Patel,
  • Maria Georgi,
  • Man Kien Hang,
  • Aqua Asif,
  • Amil Sinha,
  • William Mullins,
  • Jessie Shea,
  • Nancy Hanna,
  • Benjamin Lamb,
  • John Kelly,
  • Ashwin Sridhar,
  • Justin Collins

DOI
https://doi.org/10.2196/28671
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 7
p. e28671

Abstract

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BackgroundTraditional face-to-face training (FFT) for basic surgical skills is inaccessible and resource-intensive. Noninteractive computer-based learning is more economical but less educationally beneficial. Virtual classroom training (VCT) is a novel method that permits distanced interactive expert instruction. VCT may optimize resources and increase accessibility. ObjectiveWe aim to investigate whether VCT is superior to computer-based learning and noninferior to FFT in improving proficiency in basic surgical skills. MethodsThis is a protocol for a parallel-group, noninferiority, randomized controlled trial. A sample of 72 undergraduates will be recruited from 5 medical schools in London. Participants will be stratified by subjective and objective suturing experience level and allocated to 3 intervention groups at a 1:1:1 ratio. VCT will be delivered using the BARCO weConnect software, and FFT will be provided by expert instructors. Optimal student-to-teacher ratios of 12:1 for VCT and 4:1 for FFT will be maintained. The assessed task will be interrupted suturing with hand-tied knots. ResultsThe primary outcome will be the postintervention Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills score, adjudicated by 2 experts blinded to the study and adjusted for baseline proficiency. The noninferiority margin (δ) will be defined using historical data. ConclusionsThis study will serve as a comprehensive appraisal of the suitability of virtual basic surgical skills classroom training as an alternative to FFT. Our findings will assist the development and implementation of further resource-efficient, accessible, virtual basic surgical skills training programs during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the future. Trial RegistrationInternational Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number ISRCTN12448098; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN12448098 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/28671