Validation of open inguinal hernia repair simulation model: a randomized controlled educational trial

BackgroundA hernia repair open surgical simulation computer software was developed at Imperial College London. A randomized controlled educational trial was conducted to investigate the benefit of the simulation on the development of procedural knowledge.MethodsMedical students in their clinical years were invited to participate in the trial. Students were block randomized to 4 groups: G1 - Interactive Simulation; G2 - Non-interactive Simulation; G3 - Video Tutorial; G4 – Control. On completion, they were objectively assessed on their ability to recall the tasks involved in an open inguinal hernia repair in the form of a multiple choice question (MCQ) and a simulated discussion with a consultant surgeon.ResultsFifty-six students completed the study. Each arm carries similar baseline scores (pre-intervention MCQ) with means 43.33, 38.92, 38.33, and 39.57 in G1 to G4, respectively. MCQ score improvements and final assessment scores proved better in the intervention groups (1, 2, and 3) compared to controls.ConclusionThe interactive simulation has shown an objective benefit in teaching medical students the anatomical and procedural knowledge in performing an open inguinal hernia repair.