Can Haptic Technology Catalyze Training for Surgical Procedures?mySmartSim recently partnered with SensAble Technologies to develop and deploy simulations that allow surgeons to virtually observe and then perform surgical cases via computer. Within the field of surgical simulation there is an escalating need to address the surgeon’s motor skills to decrease liability and supplement the training curriculum.The learner engages in real-time interaction, while receiving tactile feedback and response from a haptic device. This device is a peripheral robotic instrument that attaches to his or her computer. The article, "The Effect of Virtual Haptic Training on Real Surgical Drilling Proficiency," by Blevins, Morris, Peddamatham, Salisbury, Sewell and Tan, discusses how utilizing a haptic device and simulation training can potentially have a proactive effect on the accuracy, consistency and overall performance for surgeon training. Their study consisted of two groups, Group B had simulation training with a haptics device prior to the trial procedure; whereas Group A did not. "Group B took an average of only four trials before correctly performing the procedure, while Group A took an average of seven trials," (Blevins, Morris, Peddamatham, Salisbury, Sewell and Tan (2007 p. 2). Although further research needs to be conducted to identify the qualitative effect on overall surgeon education, the study did show a correlation between haptic training and an increase in proficient motor skills. mySmartSim will continue to post and update research found that is relative to haptic training. Technology is constantly evolving and mySmartSim believes that haptic devices are an innovative approach for training in the healthcare field. Moreover, they can be utilized in many other industries. |