Using virtual reality training for thyroid surgery education
The Impact of Immersive Virtual Reality Training in Thyroid Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
NA · G.Gennimatas General Hospital · NCT06917755
This study tests if virtual reality training can help surgery residents learn thyroid surgery better than traditional textbook methods.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | G.Gennimatas General Hospital (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Thessaloniki) |
| Trial ID | NCT06917755 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality (VR) training compared to traditional learning methods for general surgery residents focusing on thyroid surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a VR training group or a control group using a technical textbook. The training will cover essential surgical steps, and performance will be assessed by a certified endocrine surgeon using standardized evaluation metrics. The goal is to enhance surgical education and skills through innovative training techniques.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are general surgery residents in their second year of training at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
Not a fit: Patients with complex thyroid diseases or those unable to use VR devices will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the training and preparedness of surgical residents, leading to better patient outcomes in thyroid surgery.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been no prior reports specifically on VR training in thyroid surgery, similar studies in other surgical fields have shown promising results with VR training methods.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Residents of the 2nd Surgical Department of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki * Residents who have completed their 1st year of training programm. Exclusion Criteria: * Disagreement of participants' randomisation * Prolonged surgical time of completion * Participant's experience beyond the included limits * Participants who are completely incapable of using VR devices or have specific helath restrictions of using these * Patients with complex thyroid disease such as recurrent disease, concominant primary hyperparathyroidism, lymph node disease or metastasis, Graves disease and intrathoracic goiter
Where this trial is running
Thessaloniki
- "Georgios Gennimatas" General Hospital of Thessaloniki — Thessaloniki, Greece (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Stefanos Atmatzidis, Assistant Professor of Surgery
- Email: atmatzidis.stef@gmail.com
- Phone: +306977095756
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Virtual Reality Simulation, Thyroid Surgery, Endocrine Surgery, Virtual Reality, Training