| Figures/TablesFigures/Tables
Introduction
Colonoscopic simulators offer the opportunity for skill acquisition in the pre-clinical setting. Available simulators vary widely with respect to fidelity and technological sophistication. We hypothesize that novice learners can acquire basic colonoscopic skills using simulators however fidelity of the simulator does not make a difference.
Methods
Novice third year medical students were randomly assigned to practice on a low- fidelity (lo-fid group) or high-fidelity (hi-fid group) colonoscopy model. The low-fidelity model is described in module 16 of the ACS/APDS Surgical Skills Curriculum for Residents, Phase 1: Basic/Core Skills and Tasks. The high-fidelity model was the AccuTouch colonoscopy simulator, Immerson Medical (AccuTouch-CS). Both groups had 16 students and were given standard instruction by an expert. Both groups were pre and post tested on level 1 of the AccuTouch-CS. The hi-fid group practiced on level 2 and 4 of the AccuTouch-CS while the low-fid group practiced on the low-fidelity model for 2 sessions of 1 hour each. The computer based evaluation parameters available on the AccuTouch-CS were used to compare performances.
Results
| Hi-fid group Mean Score | Lo-fid group Mean Score |
|---|
| Parameter | Pre | Post | Pre | Post |
|---|
| Total Time | 1051 | 1037 | 1112 | ?/sup>835 |
| Insertion Time | 426 | ?/sup>331 | 481 | ?/sup>255 |
| Withdrawal Time | 609 | 716 | 633 | 574 |
| Maximum Scope Depth | 119 | 120 | 119 | 121 |
| Percentage Visualized | 86 | ?/sup>96 | 88 | ?/sup>97 |
| Total Path Length | 418 | 482 | 540 | 522 |
| Percentage Redout | 8.2 | 9.6 | 11.7 | 9.2 |
| Total Air Insufflated | 2246 | 1669 | 2678 | 2114 |
| Percentage Air Left | 95 | 91 | 97 | 95 |
