Surgical training methods are evolving with the technological advancements, including the application of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality. However, 28 to 40% of novice residents are not confident in performing a major surgical procedure. VR surgery, an immersive VR (iVR) experience, was developed using Oculus Rift and Leap Motion devices to address this challenge. Our iVR is a multisensory, holistic surgical training application that demonstrates a maxillofacial surgical technique, the Le Fort I osteotomy. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of using VR surgery on the self-confidence and knowledge of surgical residents.

Chapter Contents:

• 9.1 History of surgical training
• 9.1.1 Origins of residency training
• 9.1.2 Modern surgical training and licensure
• 9.1.3 Link to health-care outcomes
• 9.2 Emerging industry trends
• 9.2.1 Increasing number of medical devices and surgical procedures
• 9.2.2 Looming physician and specialist shortage
• 9.2.3 Global education and democratization of access to training
• 9.2.4 Transition to value-based care
• 9.3 State of surgical education
• 9.3.1 Current approaches to surgical training
• 9.3.2 Current challenges of surgical training
• 9.3.2.1 Shift in work-hours
• 9.3.2.2 Drawbacks of cadavers as simulation resources
• 9.3.2.3 Lack of assessment tools and standardization
• 9.3.2.4 Lack of integration of soft skills (nontechnical skills) and team training
• 9.3.3 Changing role of the surgeon of future
• 9.4 Emerging approaches in surgical simulation
• 9.4.1 First generation of simulators
• 9.4.2 Haptic feedback in surgical simulation
• 9.5 Immersive technology
• 9.5.1 Evolution and adoption of virtual reality technology
• 9.5.1.1 Tethered headsets
• 9.5.1.2 Wireless headsets
• 9.5.1.3 Mobile headsets
• 9.5.1.4 Standalone headsets
• 9.5.2 Applications of immersive technology in healthcare
• 9.5.3 Immersive technology for surgical training and assessment
• 9.5.4 Future directions and barriers to adoption
• References

Inspec keywords: medical computing; surgery; virtual reality

Other keywords: immersive VR experience; immersive technologies; augmented reality; multisensory; VR surgery; surgical training; leap motion devices; surgical assessment; virtual reality; maxillofacial surgical technique

Subjects: User interfaces; Virtual reality; Biology and medical computing