The impact of video games on ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia skills

Shafqat, Atif; Mukarram, Shumaila; Bedforth, Nigel M; Hardman, Jonathan G; Mccahon, Robert A

Abstract

Background: There is an association between video game practice and laparoscopic expertise in trainee surgeons. Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia has many parallels with laparoscopic surgery. The aim of this study was to explore whether video game experience is associated with enhanced performance in a simulated ultrasound-guided task in novice operators.
Methods: In this prospective observational study, 60 medical student volunteers were recruited. Following characterization of video game experience, they underwent an assessment of visuospatial abilities. Following standardized teaching, the recruits’ technical performance of an ultrasound-guided needle task was assessed for overall quality by global rating scale [GRS].
Results: Out of a total possible GRS score of 35, gamers compared to non-gamers demonstrated 5.2 (95% CI 1.9, 8.4) units of better performance. Gamers also performed better in mental rotation test (MRT) scores (Difference 4.1, 95% CI 1.2, 7.0) .
Conclusion: Video game practice is associated with increased mental rotation ability and enhanced technical performance in a simulated ultrasound-guided task.

Citation

Shafqat, A., Mukarram, S., Bedforth, N. M., Hardman, J. G., & Mccahon, R. A. (2020). The impact of video games on ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia skills. Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, 45(11), 860-865. https://doi.org/10.1136/rapm-2020-101641

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 8, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Sep 6, 2020
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Deposit Date: Sep 4, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 6, 2020
• Journal: Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
• Print ISSN: 1098-7339
• Electronic ISSN: 1532-8651
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 45
• Issue: 11
• Pages: 860-865
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/rapm-2020-101641
• Keywords: Laparoscopic surgery, mental rotation test, regional anesthesia, ultrasound-guidance, video games
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/4881943
• Publisher URL: https://rapm.bmj.com/content/45/11/860