The EZ Trainer: Validation of a Portable and Inexpensive Simulator for Training Basic Laparoscopic Skills

PURPOSE: We assessed the face and content validity of a new portable laparoscopic trainer, the EZ Trainer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The portable, affordable EZ trainer system was conceived, designed and commissioned by academic surgeons from the departments of urology at our 2 institutions with the express purpose of advancing laparoscopic surgical training. A total of 42 participants, including general surgeons, obstetricians/gynecologists, urologists and industry representatives, assessed the face and the content validity of the trainer using a standard questionnaire. Participants were stratified into high (greater than 30 laparoscopic cases per year) and low (less than 30 cases per year) volume laparoscopists. RESULTS: Of the participants 96% rated the trainer as a realistic laparoscopic training format. Of high volume laparoscopists 81.5% rated the trainer as comfortable to use, 92.6% found that the trainer was a realistic practice format, 70.4% would purchase the trainer for personal use and 85.2% would recommend that the trainer be made available to surgical residents in their discipline. Of low volume laparoscopists 87% rated the trainer as comfortable to use, 93.3% found that the trainer was a realistic practice format, 73.3% would purchase the trainer for personal use and 80% would recommend that the trainer be made available to diverse surgical residents. CONCLUSIONS: The EZ trainer system has face and content validity as a portable laparoscopic trainer across a broad range of surgical disciplines.