Development and validation of a serious game system for Endoscopic submucosal dissection training

Abstract

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a technique for endoscopic resection of lesions and is used in many cases, including gastrointestinal cancers. However, ESD training has the following problems Time and effort required to prepare and train, which can be a burden for busy physicians. In addition, there are cases in which training is not integrated as part of the endoscopist's hospital duties, so there is a need to develop a proactive and easy system to enable busy physicians to continue ESD training on a daily basis. Therefore, in this study, we developed and verified an ESD training system that endoscopists can implement without spending time and resources and cost. The system consists of a game interface that can be operated in the same way as an endoscope and a game designed for ESD training. After the system was developed, two groups of physicians, one with extensive ESD experience and the other with limited ESD experience, were divided into two groups for the same validation. As a result, it was verified that the system allows training during free time in the office without time and effort for preparation, and that the gamification element of the system makes the training fun and continuous.