Validation of the Hip Arthroscopy Module of the VirtaMed Virtual Reality Arthroscopy Trainer

Abstract

Objective: To assess the face, content and construct validity of a virtual reality hip arthroscopy simulator (Arthros™, VirtaMed AG, Schlieren, Switzerland).

Design: Participants were divided into Expert and Novice groups depending on whether or not they had assisted with or performed more than 50 hip arthroscopy procedures. Participants were given a standardized introduction and shown a video on how to use the simulator. To familiarise themselves with the equipment, they were then given a 5-minute diagnostic task to complete. Participants then performed a therapeutic task. On completion, the simulator produced a summary of performance metrics for the following domains: Operation Time, Safety, Economy, Detailed Visualization and Overall Score. Participants completed a 7-point Likert-scale questionnaire to assess the face and content validity of the simulator.

Setting: University lab or exhibition stand at an orthopaedic conference.

Participants: Clinicians from a hospital orthopaedic department and attendees at a UK orthopaedic conference with varying levels of experience in hip arthroscopy surgery.

Results: Twenty-two participants were recruited. Six were classified as Expert and 16 as Novice. Statistically significant differences were found between the Expert and Novice groups for Overall Score (p=0.001), Safety (p=0.002) and Economy (p=0.033), but not Detailed Visualization (p=0.097). Questionnaire responses were positive for all items related to face and content validity.

Conclusion: This study suggests that training on the ArthroS™ VR hip arthroscopy simulator has construct, face and content validity. It expands the evidence base for VR simulator training and is the first study to evaluate this hip arthroscopy module.