dV-Trainer Success Stories: MultiCare Health Systems

“It’s great to have both the dV-Trainer and the Si Skills simulator available for simulation training. The main advantage of the dV-Trainer is that as a “stand-alone” unit it is always accessible for training”, says Dr. Lenihan, Medical Director of Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery.
MultiCare Health Systems, with robotics led by Dr. John Lenihan have integrated simulation training into the credentialing, privileging, and skills maintenance process. Read on to learn more about how they are using Mimic’s dV-Trainer.
MultiCare Health Systems, Tacoma, WA
MultiCare Health Systems is a pioneer in Western Washington when it comes to robotic surgery. Led by Dr. John Lenihan, they introduced robotics in 2005, have performed over 2,500 robotic procedures, and are designated as a gynecological Epicenter by Intuitive Surgical. MultiCare installed the dV-Trainer in 2009, and simulation now plays an integral part in credentialing, privileging, and skills maintenance. In 2011, the institution was certified by the AAGL as a Center of Excellence in Minimally invasive GYN Surgery.
In order to meet basic credentialing requirements, a surgeon must complete training including live case observation, bedside training, dry-labs, pig lab, and score at least 90% on designated “basic” (level 1) Mimic simulation exercises. A minimum of two proctored cases is required, and the next seven cases must be successfully reviewed by a multidisciplinary robotics committee. “It’s great to have both the dV-Trainer and the Si Skills simulator available for simulation training. The main advantage of the dV-Trainer is that as a “stand-alone” unit it is always accessible for training”, says Dr. Lenihan, Medical Director of Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery. “The Skills Simulator is attached to a surgeons console located in the OR, and may be used for training only after hours”.
MultiCare now has 24 active robotic surgeons in OB-GYN, cardiovascular, urology, and general surgery who have all gone through this rigorous credentialing program. Simulation training is also required to establish advanced robotic privileges. In addition to completing 15 successful “basic” cases and attending formal advanced observation or hands-on training, the surgeons must also complete designated “advanced” (level 2) Mimic simulation exercises on the dV-Trainer or Si Skills Simulator with a 90% composite score.
Dr. Lenihan and MultiCare are also using simulation to combat the real threat of skills degradation. Studies have shown that surgical performance suffers dramatically after only a few weeks of inactivity. At MultiCare, a surgeon must perform a minimum of 20 robotic cases per year in order to maintain privileges. The surgeon must also demonstrate proficiency annually on the simulator by completing select level 2 exercises with a score of at least 85%. In addition, if a surgeon goes for more than 3 months without a case, the surgeon will be required to complete a training curriculum on the simulator before scheduling a new case.
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More about Mimic Technologies
Mimic Technologies is a pioneer and leader in Robotic Surgery Simulation. The dV-Trainer™, introduced in 2007, was the first simulator to recreate the look and feel of the da Vinci® Surgery System. Mimic’s proprietary surgical simulation platform, MSim™, provides realistic and cost-effective on-demand training for da Vinci® S and Si surgeons, and MScore™ provides performance evaluation that uses a new proficiency-based scoring system to assess a trainee’s progress over time. Together with leading institutions, Mimic continues to develop next generation learning tools and curricula that will advance robotic surgery training and improve. Learn more at www.mimicsimulation.com