The effect of a three-dimensional instructional video on performance of a spatially complex procedure in surgical residents in relation to their visual-spatial abilities

• Published in: The American journal of surgery Vol. 222; no. 4; pp. 739 - 745
• Main Authors: Bogomolova, Katerina, van Merriënboer, Jeroen J.G., Sluimers, Jan E., Donkers, Jeroen, Wiggers, Theo, Hovius, Steven E.R., van der Hage, Jos A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.10.2021; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Cognitive ability; Cognitive load; Experiments; Instructional video; Questionnaires; Reliability analysis; Skills; Surgical education; Surgical procedural learning; Three-dimensional visualization technology; Two dimensional models; Video; Visual perception; Visual-spatial abilities; Visualization; Netherlands; Instructional video; Visual-spatial abilities; Three-dimensional visualization technology; Surgical procedural learning; Surgical education
• ISSN: 0002-9610; 1879-1883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2021.01.033

The effect of three-dimensional (3D) vs. two-dimensional (2D) video on performance of a spatially complex procedure and perceived cognitive load were examined among residents in relation to their visual-spatial abilities (VSA). In a randomized controlled trial, 108 surgical residents performed a 5-Flap Z-plasty on a simulation model after watching the instructional video either in a 3D or 2D mode. Outcomes included perceived cognitive load measured by NASA-TLX questionnaire, task performance assessed using Observational Clinical Human Reliability Analysis and the percentage of achieved safe lengthening of the scar. No significant differences were found between groups. However, when accounted for VSA, safe lengthening was achieved significantly more often in the 3D group and only among individuals with high VSA (OR = 6.67, 95%CI: 1.23–35.9, p = .027). Overall, 3D instructional videos are as effective as 2D videos. However, they can be effectively used to enhance learning in high VSA residents. •The effect of 3D vs. 2D video on the performance of a spatially complex procedure depends on the level of visual-spatial abilities of residents.•Instructional videos in 3D are more beneficial for residents with high visual-spatial abilities.•Low levels of visual-spatial abilities are associated with surgical performance of a spatially complex procedure.