Evaluation of target scores and benchmarks for the traversal task scenario of the minimally invasive surgical trainer-virtual reality (MIST-VR) laparoscopy simulator

Background: The Minimally Invasive Surgical Trainer-Virtual Reality (MIST-VR) Simulator is validated for laparoscopy training, but benchmarks and target scores for assessing single tasks are needed. Methods: Control data for the MIST-VR traversal task scenario were collected from 61 novices who performed the task 10 times over 3 days (I It daily). Data were collected on the time taken, error score, economy of movement, and total score. Test differences were analyzed through percentage scores and t-tests for paired samples. Results: Improvement was greatest over tests I to 5 (improvement: test(1.2), 38.07%. p = 0.000; teSt(4.5), 10.66%; p = 0.010): between tests 5 and 10, improvement slowed and scores stabilized. Variation in participants' performance fell steadily over the 10 tests. Conclusion Trainees should perform at least 10 tests of the traversal task-five to get used to the equipment and task (automation phase; target total score, 95.16) and five to stabilize and consolidate performance (test 10 target total score, 74.11).