Training of laparoscopic novices both individually and in dyads using a simulation task

Non-technical skill training improves outcomes in surgery and quantifying the effects of this training may aid in designing surgical teaching models. In our study, 12 novices performed a wire-chaser laparoscopic task in 9 training sessions, working both as individuals and dyads. Task duration (p < 0.001), number of ring-wire contacts (p < 0.001), total duration of contact (p < 0.001), and number of pick up attempts (p = 0.044) all showed significant improvement in both groups with no significant difference in the learning curves between individuals and dyads. There was, however, an interaction effect for the number of ring-wire contacts (p = 0.027) whereby the number of contacts dropped more dramatically among dyads. Dyads also performed significantly more anticipatory movements than individuals (p = 0.005). Novices performed similarly when working individually and as dyads, suggesting that the need for collaboration neither hindered nor helped performance for our particular task.