VITOM Study: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. (VITOM)

Learner Satisfaction and Experience With Use of a Vaginal Field Telescopic, High-definition Telescopic Camera System During Vaginal Reconstructive Procedures: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

This is research in which students are queried by questionnaires on their satisfaction with and experience with certain educational practices (use of a camera image projecting during a live surgery) or with pre-recorded video. As data collection only involves survey data collection and satisfaction with an educational experience, and randomization/intervention is only involving use of one type of educational method versus another .

As better training in vaginal surgery is a priority of gynecologic safety and quality organizations, optimizing learner satisfaction with vaginal surgery learning experiences is of paramount importance. Our purpose was to investigate if this unique camera system may have advantages in learner satisfaction both in the operating room and in video learning settings, therefore increasing the interest of the learner pool in vaginal surgery and optimizing their experience. This study has two main, non-dependent aims: Aim 1: The investigators aim to perform a randomized, controlled trial that compares a vaginally-mounted high-definition telescopic camera system (VITOM®) that can project live images in the operating room during vaginal surgery to traditional learner surgery observation practices, with the primary outcome of learner satisfaction as measured by validated adult learner satisfaction measures. Aim 2: The investigators aim to investigate in a randomized, controlled trial whether learners watching videos acquired with the VITOM® camera feel the video is more learner-friendly and optimal that videos acquired with traditional, tripod-mounted standard definition cameras.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Prolapse of Vaginal Vault After Hysterectomy, Bulging of Vaginal Wall, Incontinence, Fistula

Learner will not assist during the surgery, but watch the live surgery that is projected on a screen via the VITOM camera followed by a short questionnaire.

Learner will assist in the traditional manner without the use of the VITOM camera followed by a short questionnaire.

Learner will watch a video taped using the standard hand-held high definition camera followed by a short questionnaire.

The vaginal operative field will be filmed with a VITOM® camera and the image from the VITOM® camera will be projected live within the operating room, so that the operating team can reference the image during the surgery.

The vaginal operation will not be filmed and learner observation will take place in the traditional way, with them looking at the physical surgical field.

They will view the 10-minute standardized video filmed with the standard, handheld high-definition camera.

Comparing satisfaction scores using a visual analog scale of adult learners assigned to the (VITOM®) camera group to the leaners who will be assigned to the No VITOM group during vaginal reconstructive surgery.

Inclusion Criteria: Adult learners (age >=18 years) Residents and medical students rotating in the field of gynecology at the University of Louisville and within the group of learners who are available to observe and participate in surgeries with the Urogynecologic team at any of the study sites. Exclusion Criteria: Adult learners will be excluded if they have participated in the study prior, are performing a role within the surgery that precludes their participating in one of the study arms. If it is deemed by the surgical team that participation of the learner in the study or filming of the surgery would compromise the quality of surgery or patient safety in any manner.

Hobson DTG, Meriwether KV, Gaskins JT, Uddin MN, Stewart JR, Gupta AS, Francis SL. Learner Satisfaction and Experience With a High-definition Telescopic Camera During Vaginal Procedures: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. 2021 Feb 1;27(2):105-111. doi: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000000748.