Improving colonoscopy training with sensorized manikins and computer coaching
Official title: Advanced Colonoscopy Training Developed Through Manikin Sensorization and Computational Optimization Modeling
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11367410 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project builds realistic sensor-equipped practice manikins and a computer coach to help doctors learn colonoscopy skills faster and more safely.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $430,101 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK137230-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11367410 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
The work is most relevant to adults who undergo screening or diagnostic colonoscopy for colon cancer prevention or evaluation.
✕Less likely to help
People who never need colonoscopy or who already receive care exclusively from highly experienced endoscopists may not see direct benefit from this project.
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, this project makes lifelike colonoscopy manikins with internal sensors and uses many real colon CT scans to model typical anatomy. The team will create a virtual coaching system that gives feedback to trainees based on optimization models and the manikin sensor data. They will test and refine the system so it matches real patient anatomy and typical procedure challenges. Better-trained doctors could mean more successful, consistent colonoscopies for people like you.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to more consistent, safer colonoscopies with fewer missed lesions and potentially lower costs for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous simulation and manikin-based endoscopy training has improved clinician skills, while combining detailed sensorized manikins with optimization-based virtual coaching is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moore, Jason Zachary — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Moore, Jason Zachary
Related research
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-
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.