Face Validity of box trainer 'ENDODOG'

Abstract

Introduction: The use of laparoscopic surgery in veterinary medicine has increased dramatically during the past 15 years. In human medicine there are multiple training methods in laparoscopic surgery, whereas developments within veterinary medicine are lacking. A veterinary endoscopic surgery skills training device was developed, ENDODOG, including 6 different skills training tests.

Aim: To evaluate the degree of resemblance between the ‘ENDODOG’ and the actual laparoscopic procedure by means of a face validity test. This study examines whether differences in appreciation are present between the different groups of subjects.

Materials & Methods: Subjects (N=28) were divided in three groups: novices (inexperienced veterinarians n=15), intermediates (experienced veterinary surgeons without endoscopic surgery experience n=5 and experts (experienced endoscopic surgeons n=9). Participants completed three repetitions of a training program consisting of six basic skill simulations. The performance was compared between groups using a one-way ANOVA. Face validity was determined by using a questionnaire of 46 statements.

Results: The results show an overall high appreciation of the whole protocol by the majority of participants. Furthermore even though significant differences were present within groups the average rating given to each exercise was positive.

Conclusion: The results of this study show an overall high appreciation of the whole protocol by the majority of participants. Not all exercises contained all the skills needed for laparoscopic surgery. The results suggest that it is the combination of exercises of the ‘ENDODOG’, that resemble the skillset used in laparoscopic surgery.