The Eyesi simulator in training ophthalmology residents: results of a pilot study on self-efficacy, motivation and performance

• Published in: BMJ simulation & technology enhanced learning Vol. 3; no. 3; pp. 111 - 115
• Main Authors: Wisse, Robert PL, Coster, Tessa, Van der Schaaf, Marieke, Ten Cate, Olle
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BMJ Publishing Group LTD 01.07.2017; BMJ Simulation & Technology Enhanced Learning
• Subjects: Cataracts; Educational software; Eye surgery; Original Research; Patient safety; Questionnaires; Self-efficacy; Simulation; Students; Validation studies; Validity; Virtual reality; virtual reality; Eyesi; cataract training; motivation; self-efficacy
• ISSN: 2056-6697; 2056-6697
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjstel-2016-000137

PurposeTo describe ophthalmology residents’ motivation and self-efficacy during cataract surgery training and to assess the relationship of self-efficacy and motivation on both simulator (Eyesi) and real-life surgical performance.MethodsProspective cohort study using a within-subject design. Eight residents were asked to fill out questionnaires on self-efficacy and motivation towards the Eyesi simulator and real-life cataract surgery at three different moments. Simulator performance was derived from the instrument’s output. Patient charts were reviewed to assess real-life surgical performance.ResultsComparative analysis, using a paired sampled t-test, showed a significant increase in self-efficacy towards real-life cataract surgery after completing the cataract training on the simulator (p=0.005). Furthermore, we found a significant correlation between total tasks to complete the cataract training and self-efficacy scored after working with the simulator (p=0.038). Motivation towards the simulator remained stable over time and seemed not to be influenced by simulator or real-life performance.ConclusionsWe found evidence that performance on the simulator correlated with residents’ self-efficacy scored after the simulator training, supporting the theory that self-efficacy is determined by prior performance. Self-efficacy seemed inversely related to the ease of completion of a task: delivery of a greater effort leads to more satisfaction and a higher perceived self-efficacy towards this particular task. Future studies should include more subjects to provide a more accurate insight in the role of self-efficacy and motivation in training complex surgical skills.