Animal laboratory training: current status and how essential is it?

Abstract

In recent years, the emphasis of robotic training has moved outside of the operating room and into simulated environments. Three methods of robotic training have been utilized including inanimate, virtual reality, and animal models. Animal models provide the most high fidelity and complex training, but they are also expensive, may be inconsistent, and can require additional support such as veterinary staff and lab facilities. At present, no standardized or validated robotic training program exists and efficacy data on the various training methods is evolving. Animal model training appears to have utility in a comprehensive robotic training program with a defined role in higher-level procedure-based training.