EMSS 2013 Proceeding

Economic analysis of a low-cost laparoscopic simulator: a descriptive study

Authors:   Marco Frascio, Marco Sguanci, Francesca Mandolfino, Angela Testi, Marcello Parodi, Gianni Vercelli

Abstract

Simulation plays a basic role in medical education. At School of Medicine in Genoa a prototype of virtual reality simulator for videolaparoscopy is now in development phase. This simulation platform includes haptic interface for force feedback and autostereoscopic displays for glasses-free 3D rendering.Aim of this study is to present the simulation as a training method in medicine for laparoscopic surgery. The analysis also studies the economic impact of a market-ready, low cost, multi-user virtual reality simulation platform engineered starting from prototype currently under development.Videolaparoscopy application is analyzed. The investigation is based on 2011-2012 data obtained from queries to â??Datawarehouse Sanitarioâ?? of Regione Liguria. Secondly, benefits provided by the introduction and use of prototype of a virtual reality simulation platform prospectively and quantitatively examined.The processing relates the possible reduction in total length of hospital stay due to the introduction of prototype simulator and the consequent reduction of laparotomic cholecystectomies.

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