New virtual training system arrives

Photo: Mr Simon Clarke with David Pines (UK Limbs and Things)and Jan Boe (Surgical Science)

One of the most advanced virtual training systems has arrived at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

The new £90k LapSim Haptic System is one of the first of the new generation of haptic simulators (simulators that provide touch feedback) to be used in the NHS in England.

The simulators enable trainees to carry out virtual operations on their own and ‘feel’ the organs.

Mr Simon Clarke, Paediatric Surgery Lead, says: “The new virtual reality system will initially be used to teach paediatric surgical trainees laparoscopic surgery.

“In future it is likely to be extended to other surgical specialities as more and more software is added.

“The system has validated courses built in where progress can be monitored, as well as videos of actual procedures.

“The simulated operations then can form part of a scenario in theatre and allows us to explore some of the complications that, thankfully, we rarely see, but are so essential to training.”

Jan Boe, Business Development Manager from LapSim manufacturer Surgical Science, says, “The whole point is to train younger surgeons so they can get up to the required skill levels faster, and keep training away from live patients.”

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital is the centre for paediatric surgery for North West London and provides simulation training for London and the South East.

The system is part of the London Deanery’s and NHS London’s Simulation and Technology-enhanced Learning Initiative (STeLI) which promotes the use of powerful educational technologies.