Virtual Reality Training Tool Adds Scoring Function and More

UK-based FundamentalVR has added a significant new feature to its suite of Virtual Reality training modules—a mechanism to score, grade and quantify each trainee’s skill level and performance.

According to FundamentalVR, the Fundamental Surgery Score can not only assess each user’s ability to meet surgical objectives, it will also give an overall percentage score for their session, plus an Independent Practice Grade between A and D, indicating the amount of assistance the user needed to reach their score.

Asked about the development of the score, Richard Vincent, company founder and CEO, told OTW, “Our goal for Fundamental Surgery is to provide surgeons and trainees with access to a safe and affordable way to practice and improve their skills.

There is also a data dashboard feature which provides real-time feedback on instrument use, procedural accuracy, knowledge & decision making and patient impact. With this system, residency directors are able to quantify skills and cognitive learning over time, e.g. recency, progression and a review of trends over successive sessions.

The scoring system was developed by the company’s Global Medical Panel and, says FundamentalVR, aligns with U.S. and European Resident and Fellow reporting mechanisms.

In addition, the company also announced a new simulation course for facetectomy procedures.

This new Facetectomy simulation course is, says the company, “…an immersive, self-directed experience where trainees can remove a volume of bone material piece-by-piece, anywhere on the joint…In relevant areas of the procedure, users can make realistic and meaningful choices around tool use, with the potential to make mistakes giving the opportunity to learn correct methods through practice. The procedure also incorporates Fundamental Surgery’s new eye-tracking capability…”

Using a virtual reality form of training, says the company, “Benefits professionals of all levels from trainees to seasoned surgeons. Fundamental Surgery offers surgeons all over the world an accessible and safe solution to train at anytime and anywhere.”

Furthermore, says FundamentalVR, “The platform is equipment agnostic, allowing it to be a fraction of the cost and more mobile than other simulation solutions. Additionally, its use of virtual reality with haptic, tactile feedback, gives surgeons realistic training experiences with similar feelings, sounds and visuals that they would navigate during a real operation.”