Video analysis in basic skills training: a way to expand the value and use of BlackBox training?

Background Basic skills training in laparoscopic high-fidelity simulators (LHFS) improves laparoscopic skills. However, since LHFS are expensive, their availability is limited. The aim of this study was to assess whether automated video analysis of low-cost BlackBox laparoscopic training could provide an alternative to LHFS in basic skills training. Methods Medical students volunteered to participate during their surgical semester at the Karolinska University Hospital. After written informed consent, they performed two laparoscopic tasks (PEG-transfer and precision-cutting) on a BlackBox trainer. All tasks were videotaped and sent to MPLSC for automated video analysis, generating two parameters (Pl and Prtcl_tot) that assess the total motion activity. The students then carried out final tests on the MIST-VR simulator. This study was a European collaboration among two simulation centers, located in Sweden and Greece, within the framework of ACS-AEI. Results 31 students (19 females and 12 males), mean age of 26.2 ± 0.8 years, participated in the study. However, since two of the students completed only one of the three MIST-VR tasks, they were excluded. The three MIST-VR scores showed significant positive correlations to both the Pl variable in the automated video analysis of the PEG-transfer (RSquare 0.48, P