Evaluation of TEE Training for Chinese Anesthesiology Residents Using Two Various Simulation Systems

Objective: This study was designed to compare the efficacy of simulator-based VRSim TEE training system and web-based virtual TEE program in training anesthetic residents. Methods: 28 second-year anesthetic trainees with no record of TEE experience were randomly assigned to two groups: simulator group and e-learning group. The simulator group undertaken training via simulator-based VRSim TEE training system. In contrast, e-learning group received training via web-based virtual TEE training program. At the end of the training, all participants were examined aiming to find if there is a difference between these two training systems and which is better for use in training future anesthetic Resident. Results: Average scores in the final exam were compared for the two groups using two independent samples ttest accepting a p<0.05. Anesthetic resident in simulation group received scores an average of 63.75 ± 3.96, which was significant high comparing to the e-learning group (46.61 ± 2.67). Conclusion: This study suggests that simulator-based VRSim TEE training is more effective in training anesthetic residents in understanding TEE imaging and manipulation of the TEE probe compared to the web-based TEE modules alone.