The goal of the project is to define the optimal learning environment and protocol for dvSS® simulation activities using medical students as robotic-naïve research participants.

The goal of the project is to define the optimal learning environment and protocol for dvSS® simulation activities using medical students as robotic-naïve research participants. The investigators propose to accomplish this goal through the following aims:

Specific Aim #1: to investigate the total training time and the total number of repetitions required for participants to achieve proficiency (as defined on the dvSS® as 91%) for each of the selected exercises in selected dVSS activities.

Specific Aim #2: to measure the transferability of skills acquired through a robotic simulation to live porcine models compared to nonintervention controls. The study will compare the effect of training with the dVSS to similar nonintervention controls by grading a suturing procedure on a live porcine model.

Findings generated from this study will provide new insight into the efficacy of the dVSS as a simulation- based training tool for medical practitioners. Collectively, this work will build upon the narrow knowledge base on how to develop a nationally accredited simulation-based robotics curriculum.

This study undoubtedly furthers the GWU SMHS mission of education, research, and healing. The study seeks to understand the learning curve students can achieve by simulation-based training and then to directly apply that training to a safe in vivo model in order to determine training interventions that can inform a robotic curriculum both locally at GWU and throughout the country. Additionally, this study is innovative in that it is the first of its kind to correlate skills acquired on a robotic-simulation gynecology based tool to a live porcine model. It seeks to enhance the current GWU GYN robotics- curriculum and assist with the development of a specific curriculum within the next year. Although the immediate goal is for planning toward a gynecology robotic curriculum, results of this study could also inform development of robotic programs in other disciplines such as general surgery and urology. Considering, the limited development of simulation-based robotics curriculum, further refining the curriculum would allow GWU to continue "to be globally recognized as a medical center that embraces the challenge of…transforming health care, and expanding research to enrich and improve the lives of those [served]." It also serves to "leverage the SMHS brand to enhance opportunities for recognition, distinction..& marketing." Preparing a generation of well-trained and confident gynecologic surgeons will allow providers to administer safe care to women.

Inclusion Criteria:

• medical & physician assistant students at George Washington University with no prior experience using a surgical robot

Exclusion Criteria:

• medical & physician assistant students at George Washington University with prior experience using a surgical robot
• students not enrolled in the medical or physician assistant program at George Washington University

Results will be submitted for Association of Processors of Gynecology and Obstetrics Annual Meeting as well as to journals for publication.

subjects were monitored for adverse events (AEs) throughout the entire duration of study participation (a total of 3 weeks)