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Distraction during arthroscopic simulation may affect surgeon performance
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Surgeon performance may be impacted when addressing straightforward questions during arthroscopic simulation, according to results.
Researchers evaluated 25 orthopedic surgery residents as they performed a diagnostic knee arthroscopy computer simulation according to a 15-item checklist of structures to identify and tasks to complete. Evaluation of the residents included arthroscopy time, number of chondral injuries, instances of looking down at their hands and completion of checklist items. At least 2 weeks later, researchers had residents repeat the task while simultaneously answering distracting questions.
James B. Cowan
Compared with the initial simulation, results showed significantly fewer completed checklist items during distracted simulation among all residents. When comparing senior residents to junior residents, investigators found senior residents completed 97% of the diagnostic checklist at initial simulation vs. 89% of junior residents. Researchers found a significantly increased number of chondral injuries during distracted simulation among senior residents, while junior residents were less likely to thoroughly evaluate the lateral recess, but were more likely to thoroughly evaluate the suprapatellar pouch.
The arthroscopic simulation was initially completed in less time and with fewer chondral injuries and fewer instances of looking down at their hands by senior residents. Researchers noted senior residents continued to perform arthroscopic simulation quicker and with fewer instances of looking down at their hands during distracted simulation compared with junior residents. However, results showed no significant difference in the number of chondral injuries or completed checklist items between senior rand junior residents. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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