360° Operative Videos: A Randomised Cross-Over Study Evaluating Attentiveness and Information Retention

Objective Although two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional videos have traditionally provided foundations for reviewing operative procedures, the recent 360o format may provide new dimensions to surgical education. This study sought to describe the production of a high quality 360o video for an index-operation (augmented with educational material), while evaluating for variances in attentiveness, information retention, and appraisal compared to 2D. Design A 6-camera synchronised array (GoPro Omni, [California, United States]) was suspended inverted and recorded an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 2016. A single-blinded randomised cross-over study was performed to evaluate this video in 360o vs 2D formats. Group A experienced the 360o video using Samsung (Suwon, South-Korea) GearVR virtual-reality headsets, followed by the 2D experience on a 75-inch television. Group B were reversed. Each video was probed at designated time points for engagement levels and task-unrelated images or thoughts. Alternating question banks were administered following each video experience. Feedback was obtained via a short survey at study completion. Setting The New Academic and Education Building (NAEB) in Dublin, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, July 2017. Participants Preclinical undergraduate students from a medical university in Ireland. Results Forty students participated with a mean age of 23.2 ± 4.5 years and equal sex involvement. The 360o video demonstrated significantly higher engagement (p 8/10 for the platform for learning, immersion, and entertainment. Conclusions This study describes the successful development and evaluation of a 360o operative video. This new video format demonstrated significant engagement and attentiveness benefits compared to traditional 2D formats. This requires further evaluation in the field of technology enhanced learning.