Abstract
A current transformation within surgery is the development of minimally invasive techniques, particularly laparoscopy. Practice is required to reach competency in laparoscopic skills and, because the level of surgical skill is directly related to the outcome of the operation, highlights the importance of competence, which in turn is acquired through skill acquisition and retention. There is an advantage if skill acquisition is hastened and re-training time for surgeons is reduced. Laparoscopic surgery requires the surgeon to function with their vision occluded and observe their work on a monitor above the patient and off to one side. As depth perception is removed and instruments have a limited range of motion that means reduced degrees-of-freedom. Training laparoscopic techniques using a simulator such as the 3-Dmed® laparoscopic training device can shorten operating times, increase operative skills, and reduce the risk of complications.
The objective of this study is to determine an optimal practice schedule for surgeons learning laparoscopic surgical techniques through a re-examination of the findings of both Shea & Morgan (1979) and Hynes-Dusel (2002) who found conflicting results when it came to the efficacy blocked as opposed to random practice as it relates to skill acquisition and retention. Research will assess random versus blocked training using a 3-Dmed® device. Participants will be taught three motor tasks under blocked (low contextual interference) or random (high contextual interference) sequence of presentation. Retention tests will be conducted after 10 min. (short-term retention) and 10 days (long-term retention).
