EVALUATION SYSTEM OF NON-TECHNICAL SURGICAL SKILLS USING EXTENDED REALITY

Abstract

In the field of Health Care, particularly Surgical Interventions, continuous training and testing are vital to ensure the highest standards of patient care and surgical proficiency. This thesis explores the development of an innovative tool within a Virtual Reality (VR) -designed scenario, focusing on the portrayal of penile prosthesis implantation to treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED). The primary aim is to train surgeons and healthcare practitioners in Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS), providing a comprehensive and immersive learning environment. By simulating realistic surgical scenarios, the VR tool enhances the training experience, allowing practitioners to hone their skills in a controlled and risk-free setting. This approach not only improves technical competencies but also fosters critical soft skills such as communication, decision-making, and teamwork, essential for successful surgical outcomes. This project was accomplished in collaboration with Rayo-Seco Systems, a Start-Up at the forefront of health innovation, leveraging technologies like Extended Reality (XR) and custom medical devices. Over four months, my role involved studying the technologies and processes, contributing to the simulation script development, and testing the desired NOTSS. The outcomes of this project demonstrate the transformative impact of VR on surgical training, emphasizing both technical and non-technical skill development, ultimately enhancing patient care quality. The VR surgical environment and NOTSS simulation script designed in this project provide a robust platform for healthcare practitioners to acquire, enhance, and apply best practices in surgical care.