CIT camera crew at work - the operation was recorded with two cameras, to give audiences at the NUH auditorium a better perspective
The application of broadcast-conferencing-based multi-camera video technology to teaching and learning in medicine has always been a special capability of Centre for Instructional Technology (CIT). Dr Davide Lomanto, Director of the Minimally Invasive Surgical Centre (MISC) at NUH, called upon this service in January of 2004.
Using the relatively new endoscopic surgical technique he performed few inguinal and incisional hernia operations, which was broadcasted live from the Operating Theatre to students and invited delegates at the NUH Auditorium. Other two surgeons involved were Dr Pascal Wintringer, Co-Director of the Institute of Laparoscopic Surgery in Bordeaux (France) and Dr Pradeep Chowbey, Head of Minimal Access Surgery Department at Sri Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi (India).
Live audio conferencing with Hong Kong and France
Simultaneously, Dr Lomanto’s surgical team was also engaged in live audio conferencing and live-surgery transmission with colleagues in Hong Kong and France. In Hong Kong, Professor Michael Li, Director of the Minimal Access Surgery Centre at Pamela Youde Hospital, Chinese University, was demonstrating on live the application of a new 3-D mesh to repair hernia defect; while from the top Training Center in Europe, the IRCADS of Strasbourg (directed by Professor Jacques Marescaux), Professor Joel Leroy presented a review of anatomic landmark and step-by step surgery using an innovative 3-D graphics imaging.
Dr Lomanto will use this instructional video as part of his teaching material, and also to promote and highlight the use and benefits of Minimal Invasive Surgery in Asia, MISC’s core program. He is also presently using an E-training software.
The control room where the crew control audio, images and recording
CIT to support future educational activities
Looking at the success of the event, all the future educational activities of the MISC, will be supported by the fruitful collaboration with CIT. Teleconferencing, live surgery transmission and webcasting will be the gold spot of the training program.
CIT’s video production team members were thrilled to be inside an Operating Theatre, wearing the professional attire and following the rigorous procedures for sterilisation and contamination – and having a “reality” trip as part of a highly specialised team of workers. It was an eye-opening experience for everyone, and according to one of the team member – it was not a gory experience as expected, because there was hardly much blood seen – the marvels of minimally invasive surgery.
High-tech teaching and learning Teaching and learning at the Minimally Invasive Surgical Centre (MISC) are vastly enhanced with the use of highly sophisticated medical technology and facilities. With its aims to promote and train surgeons in laparoscopic skills, the Centre will provide educational program for both local and regional surgeons. The MISC will fully utilise CIT support and the facilities in NUS and NUH like StarLAB, Live Tissue Lab and the Simulation Training Laboratory (STL). The STL was recently added to its stable of high-tech training facilities. STL utilises a dedicated software for E-training and Online Proctoring (Lap 101) of the laparoscopic trainee. This software is currently utilised only in eight major Medical Schools in USA such as Carolina, Montefiore and Maryland University. This computer-based, self-study programme is designed specifically to teach basic laparoscopic skills and knowledge. It enables the trainees to study and self-test on their own time. Subsequently, they can participate in the laboratory skills training sessions and then be proctored and examined by the instructor through the website. Studies have shown that laparoscopic virtual simulator training for surgical trainees are significantly beneficial and basic skills achieved by systematic training with a computer-based laparoscopic simulator can be transferred to the operating room. |
