Face and construct validity of virtual reality simulation of laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.

Objective: The objective of the study was to validate virtual reality simulation in assessing laparoscopic skills in gynecology by establishing the extent of realism of the simulation to the actual task (face validity) and the degree to which the results of the test one uses reflects the subject tested (construct validity).

Methods: Subjects (n = 56) were divided into 3 groups: novices (n = 15), intermediates (n = 20), and experts (n = 21). Participants completed 3 repetitions of a training program consisting of 4 basic skills and 3 gynecologic procedural simulations. The performance was compared between groups using a post hoc Student t test with the Bonferroni technique. Face validity was determined by using a questionnaire of 27 statements.

Results: Resulting from the questionnaire, the opinion about the realism and training capacities of the tasks was favorable among all groups. The degree of prior laparoscopic experience was reflected in the outcome performance parameters of the tasks. Experts achieved significant better scores on specific parameters.

Conclusions: The results of this study indicate acceptance and thus face validity of the system among both reference (novice, intermediate) and expert group. There is a significant difference between subjects with different laparoscopic experience and thereby construct validity for the laparoscopic simulator could be established.