Enhancing surgical instrument assembly training through virtual reality: A case study on laparoscopic forceps.

BACKGROUND

Proper reprocessing of surgical instruments is essential for patient safety and infection prevention. Inadequate assembly can compromise sterilization, delay procedures, and increase the risk of health care-associated infections. Existing training methods for sterilization staff are often informal and lack standardization. The aim is to design and validate a virtual reality (VR) training system to improve the assembly and disassembly skills of laparoscopic forceps among health care professionals.

METHODS

We codeveloped a VR training tool with clinical staff at Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal. The system simulates the assembly of laparoscopic instruments and provides real-time performance feedback. Thirty health care professionals tested the tool and completed a System Usability Scale questionnaire to evaluate its realism, usability, and training utility.

RESULTS

Participants rated the system highly for realism (mean 4.73/5), immersion, and ease of use. Most reported improved understanding of the instrument assembly process. Performance metrics, including errors and completion time, were collected and visualized using a desktop application. Only one participant experienced mild discomfort.

CONCLUSIONS

This VR-based simulation provides a safe, engaging, and effective training environment for surgical instrument reprocessing. It addresses existing gaps in education and may contribute to improved procedural accuracy and infection prevention.