Efficacy of "Online Surgical Video Discussion" as a novel bidirectional e-learning system using surgical videos

Abstract

Introduction: A discussion that uses surgical videos in a real conference room is called a Video Conference (VC) in Japan. Although VC is a useful tool in the education of laparoscopic surgery, it is difficult to hold VCs frequently between some facilities. An Online Surgical Video Discussion (OSVD) is the idea of holding VCs through the internet.We launched OSVDs in 2017 and report on the efficacy thereof.Methods: OSVD is approved by Institutional Review Board of Nagano Red Cross Hospital. OSVDs are held via You Tube TM Live. We conducted a questionnaire to investigate the perceived efficacy of OSVD.Results: We performed OSVDs 22 times from September 2017 to November 2019. There were 27 participants that completed the questionnaire. More than 70% of them thought that they had become more motivated, their frequency of watching surgical videos had increased, and OSVD was a good opportunity to learn from other facilities. All of the participants answered that OSVD would improve their surgical skills. In addition, more certified doctors participated in OSVDs than in VCs (OSVD 38.8%; VC 12.0%).Discussion: OSVD provides a valuable opportunity for furthering laparoscopic surgery education. Participants can discuss surgical videos without actually getting together physically, for free, and without any conflict of interest.Moreover, OSVDs may contribute to reducing disparities in laparoscopic surgery between regions and facilities, and thereby lead to a standardization of surgical skills.