Comparison of three-dimensional heads-up system versus traditional microscopic system in medical education for vitreoretinal surgeries: a prospective study

TL;DR

A study compared a 3D heads-up system and traditional microscope for teaching vitreoretinal surgeries, finding the 3D system more satisfying for most users.

Contribution

This study provides empirical evidence on the didactical value of a 3D heads-up system in vitreoretinal surgery education.

Findings

The 3D system received higher satisfaction scores from teachers and observers compared to the traditional microscope.

Junior residents and trainee doctors rated instrument adjustment higher for the traditional microscope.

The 3D system showed significant didactical advantages but requires consideration of learner-specific needs.

Abstract

To compare the value and efficiency of the three-dimensional (3D) heads-up surgical system and traditional microscopic (TM) system in teaching and learning vitreoretinal surgeries.

Twenty ophthalmologists and scrub nurses were recruited as teachers, and 45 junior ophthalmology residents and trainee doctors, trainee nurses, and medical students were recruited as observers. Each teacher and observer were assigned to both a 3D-assisted and TM-assisted vitreoretinal surgery and then asked to complete satisfaction questionnaires for both surgical systems at the end of each surgery.

The 3D heads-up surgical system was rated significantly higher in most of the subscales and overall satisfaction score by both teachers and observers (P < 0.05). However, ratings for instrument adjustment were significantly higher in the TM group compared to the 3D group for junior ophthalmology residents and trainee doctors (6.1 ± 1.7 vs. 8.8 ± 1.1, P < 0.001).

The 3D heads-up surgical system has great didactical value in the medical education of vitreoretinal surgeries, but it is important to consider the specific needs of different learners when choosing between the two systems.

Not applicable.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12909-024-05233-4.

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