Development of patient simulation systems: Investigation of GUI part III

Objective: The Nippon Dental University Hospital is making efforts to develop systems simulating patients' feelings, and apply them to the education of dentists to nurture holistic dentistry. We tried to improve the efficiency of trainee's self-learning by adding post-training feedback functions to the GUI (Graphical User Interface) for a patient simulation system (NDU-2) developed in this project. Methods: We upgraded the GUI, developed based on a survey on burdens during dental treatment in 1,446 patients who had agreed on the purpose of its development, by adding post-training feedback functions using “Microsoft Visual C++ 8.0” to encourage trainee's self-evaluation. Results: As part of the feedback functions, the GUI is equipped with a video-recording function using an external camera during the training session, and a display function of the entire history of actions (commands) issued for the patient simulation system. The latter allows the user to stop the movie at any time and print the scene. Furthermore, training data can be collectively managed within the GUI by creating folders for individual interns. This function enables trainees to easily reflect on their own performance. Conclusion: The upgrade of the GUI for the NDU-2 patient simulation system, together with the addition of the feedback functions essential in objective evaluation by instructors and self-evaluation by trainees, will lead us to develop “SIMROID,” a comprehensive simulation system, with which we can further advance holistic dental education. [This study was subsidized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as a “health professional education support program that meets community health and social needs” .]