A systematic review of validated sinus surgery simulators

Abstract

Background

Simulation provides a safe and effective opportunity to develop surgical skills. A variety of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) simulators have been described in the literature. Validation of these simulators allows for effective utilisation in training.

Objective of review

To conduct a systematic review of the published literature to analyse the evidence for validated ESS simulation.

Search strategy

Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane and Cinahl were searched from inception of the databases to January 11^th, 2017.

Evaluation method

12,516 articles were retrieved of which 10,112 were screened following the removal of duplicates. 38 full text articles were reviewed after meeting the search criteria. Evidence of face, content, construct, discriminant and predictive validity was extracted.

Results

20 articles were included in the analysis describing 12 ESS simulators. 11 of these simulators had undergone validation; 3 virtual reality, 7 physical bench models and 1 cadaveric simulator. 7 of the simulators were shown to have face validity, 7 had construct validity and 1 had predictive validity. None of the simulators demonstrated discriminate validity.

Conclusion

This systematic review demonstrates that a number of ESS simulators have been comprehensively validated. Many of the validation processes, however, lack standardisation in outcome reporting, thus limiting a meta-analysis comparison between simulators.

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