O162 Can digital microscopes be used in microsurgery simulation training?

Introduction Surgical education has seen a transition in the delivery of training, with increased use of online platforms to facilitate remote learning. Simulation provides a safe training environment, that can be accessed by a wider group, and at a lower cost compared to many ex-vivo courses. Micro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of surgery Vol. 110
Main Authors: Awad, L, Langridge, B, Butler, P
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Oxford Oxford University Press 01.05.2023
Subjects:
Distance learning
Microscopes
Questionnaires
Simulation
ISSN:0007-1323, 1365-2168
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Introduction Surgical education has seen a transition in the delivery of training, with increased use of online platforms to facilitate remote learning. Simulation provides a safe training environment, that can be accessed by a wider group, and at a lower cost compared to many ex-vivo courses. Microsurgical skills are difficult to acquire, and continuous practice is necessary to improve. Our goals are to compare commercially available digital microscopes against a standard binocular microscope and review their suitability for bench model simulation. Methods Data was collected for three commercially available digital microscopes, and a binocular table microscope. Data obtained included physicial properties, cost and a subjective assessment of their surgical performance via an 11 criteria questionnaire, graded with a 5-point scale. Results of the commercial microscopes were compared with the binocular microscope using the Kruskall Wallis test. Results The questionnaire was completed by 21 participants ranging from senior ENT/Plastic Surgery consultants to core surgical trainees. Digital microscopes were more affordable and convenient for trainees. The Pancellant Digital Microscope performed the poorest, with trainees commenting on its unsuitability for surgical practice. The Plugable USB Microscope was rated most like the binocular table microscope. Depth of field was shallow in all digital microscopes. Conclusion With the increasing role of remote learning and simulation training in surgical education, the Plugable USB digital microscope can provide a cheaper, more accessible alternative for junior trainees, in their pursuit of microsurgical skill acquisition.
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ISSN:0007-1323
1365-2168
DOI:10.1093/bjs/znad101.162