Simulation for laparoscopy surgery with haptic element for medical students in HUKM: A preliminary analysis

Abstract

Minimal invasive surgery or laparoscopy has taken been applied to especially pediatrics. Traditionally, medical students learn surgical skills through the mentorship model during their residency training. As technology evolves, more and more applications, simulations and systems are built as aids to medical students in acquiring surgical skills. This study was conducted to investigate how haptic technology can play a part in shaping students' skills at the Department of Surgery in HUKM. This paper will discuss the first phase of the research: the Preliminary Analysis. Previous research were reviewed; interviews were conducted with experts and related staff of the department; and observations were made during actual training sessions. Results of the preliminary analysis show that current training approaches have some weaknesses that can be replaced by applying simulations with haptic devices. The results will be used to design a framework for Laparoscopy Simulation Surgery with Haptic Elements or Simulasi Pembedahan Laparoskopi dengan Elemen Haptik (SPLasH). This innovation will not only enrich the field of visual informatics, but also improve medical training in the field of Laparoscopy Surgery. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.