WO2005076241A1

WO2005076241A1 - Internet based distance learning of medical procedures

Info

Publication number: WO2005076241A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/000393
Authority: WO
Inventors: Warren Ryan Hobden; James Matthew Rowe; Christopher Richard Matson
Original assignee: Medcom Limited
Priority date: 2004-02-05
Filing date: 2005-02-04
Publication date: 2005-08-18
Also published as: GB0402493D0

Abstract

A method and apparatus is disclosed for training users to carry out selected operations. A server node stores data associated with steps taken during at least one operation and data is downloaded to a user terminal of a user after the user has selected a particular operation. An animated sequence of the selected one operation is displayed at a user display of the user terminal.

Description

INTERNET BASED DISTANCE LEARNING OF MEDICAL PROCEDURES

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for helping train personnel at key skills. Inparticular, . but .not .exclusively, .. the ...present invention provides a distance learning system to assist with the initial or ongoing education of skilled operators. Even more particularly, but not exclusively, embodiments of the present invention are related to the training of medical surgeons .

Many jobs or hobbies require users to be trained in various aspects of an operation. Here it will be understood that the term operation refers to a process in general in addition to the specific procedure of a medical or vetinary operation. As an example car mechanics must be provided with the skill to carry out a brake pad replacement operation. As another example medical surgeons must be provided with the skill to carry out a medical operation such as a hip replacement operation. Current established practices for teaching such surgeons of all standards and training grades is traditionally based upon textbooks, journals and other reading material or real time teaching "live" in operating theatres. In addition possible consultant/senior staff tutored sessions and clinical courses and conferences are applicable. However such training processes do not always prove adequate and are inefficient and difficult to arrange.

Additionally where personnel need to be trained the personnel are often required to attend a single location where training can be carried out. This is costly and time consuming as the personnel must travel to that location.

Another difficulty when training must be given to personnel _is the quantification of a persons ability and providing a track record of their training . This can be done by setting a written examination at which users must attend at preset times. This is difficult to arrange and often the results in written format take a substantial time to mark and collate.

It is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to at least partly mitigate the above-mentioned problems. It is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to provide a distance learning system to assist in the ongoing education of medical practitioners.

It is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to enable personnel who require training to be trained from a multitude of remote locations from a central source .

It is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to provide a learning analysis tool able to store large quantities of data which can be analysed and relevant data presented in a format that is suitable for feedback to authorised recipients. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a distance learning system for training subscribers to a learning course, comprising: at least one user equipment including a user interface including a display for displaying images; and a content server node for delivering an application to said user equipment; wherein when said application is performed at said user equipment a subscriber is presented with a 3D animated sequence of a process to be learnt.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a distance learning system for training subscribers to a learning course, comprising: at least one user equipment including a user interface including a display for displaying images; and a host server node; wherein an application is run-able on said user equipment to present a 3D animated sequence of a process to be learnt to a subscriber; and subsequent to said sequence being displayed a subscriber is provided with means for verifying knowledge of at least one parameter associated with said animated sequence .

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a web-based distance learning system;

Figure 2 illustrates operation of the system.

Figure 3 illustrates a purchase-LOGON-LOGOFF sequence; and

Figure 4 illustrates access to an Educational Analysis tool. In the drawings like reference numerals refer to like parts.

Figure 1 illustrates an internet-based distance learning system 10. Various users may access an education resource via the internet 11 from a suitable user equipment such as a Personal Computer (PC) 12 or mobile user equipment 13. The user equipment 13 is connected to the internet via a node B 14 as will be understood by those skilled in the art and includes a suitable browser application. A host node 15 includes the functionality for providing content for display on a display of a user interface of the user equipment 12 , 13. The content supplied by the host node 15 provides an internet-based surgical atlas which provides a user with a reusable reference of a textbook, combined with the assessment and feedback of a training course. This provides a powerful companion for all surgical trainees. The system does not necessarily replace established training resources but may compliment them enhancing the quality of learning and providing a more time efficient solution. In addition the supplied content produces an animated sequence of an operation/process to be studied by a viewer.

In order to access the training resource a user logs onto a predetermined web page via the internet 11 to purchase a downloadable application prior to loading the application onto the user equipment. For non medical based topics such as engineering (car maintenance etc.) an appropriate list of options are provided such, as changing a car tyre or fitting new shock absorbers. Images are then presented on the user display which present anatomically correct 3D animations of surgical techniques and procedures with voiceovers. The system can be accessed from any internet ready user equipment s.t any time 24/7. In addition automated self-assessment questions may be provided for each and every technique with a procedure which may be pitched for every level of training grade. Content development and quality assurance for content delivered is provided via a stringent approval route supported by qualified personnel such as medical advisors.

The system enables feedback from the users to tine host node 15. This enables users who react to questions posed during content delivered in a correct manner to fc>e identified so as to highlight exceptional trainees for fast tracking.

Figure 2 illustrates some of the steps which occur during operation of embodiments of the present invention. Portion 20a illustrates an initial contact and subscription between the user and a host whilst portion 20b of figure 2 illustrates subsequent contact between the user equipment and host. Also illustrated is a tutor node 17 which enables a tutor or teacher or other skilled personnel to log on to the host server via suitable UE to receive details about users attempts made during carryirxg out tutorials.

At step S21 a user wishing to begin a training process logs into the application, for example surgicalskills.net and is supplied with content from th.e host 15. The user provides certain information to subscribe to the content server. This subscription can include a one off fee or monthly or some other periodi c payment . Once subscribed the user can select one or more processes which are required to the learnt, re-learnt ox improved. These are selected from the contents lists and the application corresponding to such a process is downloaded at step S22 to the user equipment. This delivery of data through the web is a very convenient way in which the user can be provided with a tutorial . As an alternative an application may be purchased on a CD and loaded onto the PC or mobile user equipment of the user. As a still further alternative a user may be given the application free of charge. When the application is installed and run on the user equipment the user is given the opportunity to LOGON and to then choose a desired session. The user is then provided with text-based content describing details of an operation and in addition animated non-text-based content. The 3D animation illustrates a particular operation, for example a hip replacement operation, by displaying an animated image of a patient and then displaying how a scalpel or other tool may be used to cut away at that body to reveal predetermined portions. The animated sequence showing a whole operation may be provided with a voiceover recording which describes stages of the operation in more detail . The subscriber is provided with the ability to select areas of the body, and thus of the operation, for closer scrutiny and may zoom in or rotate or carry out some other manipulation of the image.

Subsequent to the process being displayed the subscriber may be faced with a number of predetermined questions relevant to the specific operation selected. The user inputs answers to these predetermined self assessment questions and these answers are then transmitted from the user equipment to the host at step S23. The host includes a server which is able to process these results and these results are stored at the server location. The results may be transmitted back to the user equipment to give the user an indication of how they have scored and an indication of which questions were correctly or incorrectly answered. In this way a user can learn. Subsequent to a user attempting the questions a tutor or other authorised personnel may log on to the internet and access the web page supported by server node 15. This is illustrated as step S24. The tutor may be provided with access to the examination attempts made by a plurality of subscribers and the tutor may thus be given an idea of how the tutees or other trainees are performing. Since the results are stored in electronic format the results of many students/subscribers may be correlated in electronic format and the statistics supplied may prove useful.

Portion 20b of figure 2 illustrates a subsequent process in which a user has already subscribed to the system and the data comprising the training application has been downloaded to the user equipment . The subscriber can thus simply begin operation of the program by, for example, clicking on a suitable icon on a desktop of their PC. An initial check at step S25 may be made of the host to see whether an .operation previously downloaded to the user equipment has- been modified. The host signifies that the already downloaded version is up to date or provides an updated version at step S26.

Figure 3 illustrates how a user can purchase a remote learning product and then use this at home or at work or any other desired location to practice a selected operation and thereby learn. During an initial step S30 a user wishing to be trained powers up a home personal computer (PC) or other such user equipment and, via the internet 11 logs onto a website associated with a host server node 15. The logging on process is illustrated as step S31 and the relevant website with associated web page supplied with content from the host 15 is illustrated by reference numeral 50. At step S32 the user purchases an application which is the programme used to make the user equipment compatible with the training process supplied by the host. When a user purchases the application details of the user previously supplied are transmitted to an educational analysis system which is the host 15 or some other server node. Having received this information at step S33 the educational analysis system 15 transmits S34 instructions to the website and the application is downloaded to the user terminal at step S35. This is then installed on the PC at step S36 and a user is then able to launch the application at step S37. Steps S30 to S36 are not repeated after the initial purchase phase . Having purchased the software the user becomes a subscriber to a training process and can thereafter launch the software via step sS8 at any desired opportunity. A LOGON process 39 is initiated whenever a user wishes to practice or learn about an operation such as changing a gear box in a car or carrying out a medical operation. During the LOGON process S40 data is sent to the educational analysis system identifying the user. The subscriber is . authenticated and after a successful authentification LOGON is completed. At this point a subscriber is provided with information displayed on the display of the PC. The display indicates the choices of operation which a user can learn about as well as other information. One of the many choices is selected and data identifying the selected operation is transmitted to the educational analysis system. Access to this selected operation may be verified with a positive verification initiating a training session S42. During this training process a subscriber will select how an animated sequence of an operation is run and thus displayed on the PC. By interacting with a keyboard or other such user interface on the PC the animated sequence may be repeatably run or paused or further information pertaining to parts of the operation being displayed may be shown. The transfer of information S43 between the user and the educational analysis system during a session is stored so that a profile of the user can be updated and kept. Subsequent to the completion of a full session or at a predetermined time during a session or at a time selected by a user self assessment S43 may be carried out to assess the subscribers understanding of the training process illustrated during the training session. During a self- assessment a user is asked predetermined questions stored at the educational analysis system 15 which are displayed on the screen of the PC. A user inputs answers to these via the keyboard. The transfer of information S45 illustrated in Figure 3 indicates the flow of data from the educational analysis tool as questions are posed to a user and data identifying answers given by the subscriber to the posed questions can be stored at the educational analysis system. Results of the self assessment process S44 are provided during step S46. This includes the transmittal S47 of results information. These results are displayed on the screen of the PC. At this point in time a subscriber may select to choose S48 a further session or may instead choose to log out S49.

Figure 4 illustrates the interface between users of the educational analysis system 15. Via a first interface such as via the internet, a variety of users can gain access information supplied from the host node during a training session. For example an undergraduate 60 may LOGON and carry out one or more training sessions. Information identifying the user and the steps taken and answers given during a self-assessment step are transferred to the central data store of the educational analysis system via internet link 61. The information is stored and may be accessed by an authorised recipient as described hereinabove and hereinbelow.

Basic surgical training (BST) 61 maybe provided to users in a basic surgical training location and these users are connected via an internet link 62 as and when desired. Any users undergoing basic surgical training can access the application and complete the steps S38 to S49. User data identifying characteristics of one or more sessions are stored in a memory portion of the educational analysis system as data identifying these characteristics is transferred during a session.

Users 64 undergoing higher surgical training (HST) may LOGON and use the application via an internet link 65 and carry out steps S38 to S49 as desired. Data indicating characteristics of one or more such training session is stored at a data store of the educational analysis system.

A consultant or specialist registrar (SPR) may also connect via an internet connection 67 to the educational analysis system 15 to carry out training or to update a memory or to review new practice. Data indicating characteristics of the one or more training sessions is transferred between the user equipment and the host node.

A trainer who would otherwise normally be expected to train some of the aforementioned users may also access the educational analysis system so as to update the trainers knowledge and to experience the information which a user is presented with. Data of such an interaction is logged at the educational analysis system and transferred via the internet connection 69.

The educational analysis system is where information is stored and analysed for feedback purposes. The educational analysis system (EAS) includes a database for storing large amounts of information. In addition the EAS includes search engines able to mine data collected analyse it and present it in a format that is useful for feedback to end users .

During a user interacting with the training application a personal record data is kept including ongoing feedback of a user's progress whilst using the surgicalskills.net system. The feedback is designed to help users track the personal progress with the subject and help them further their knowledge acquisition. The personal record data (PRD) analysis takes a detailed look at a user's progress by passing all their PRD through an analysis tool. Data stored can include user details, a personalised home page, the number of times using the system, time accumulated, sessions accessed, CPD points allocated, assessment history, tutor notes, a log book, hints and/or emails. Reporting data is data transferred from a user to the EAS. The reporting data is the interaction and assessment that is undertaken by the user and is then recorded as each action takes place. This reporting data is constantly streamed to the educational analysis system and is formulated into the appropriate manner.

Not only do users have access to the educational analysis system but also authorised recipients of information stored by the educational analysis system may access this through an internet link via a reporter node 70. The reporter node represents functionality for collating data of a pre-agreed type which that particular authorised recipient can access. From the reporter node a medical device manufacturer (MDM) 71 may access information via the internet so as to identify information relevant to their particular devices. In addition or as an alternative the general medical council (GMC) 72 may access information which maybe in addition to their own records regarding specific users. Information can be delivered in any suitable format such as an e-mail and will be anonymous.

The department of health 73 may also access information to add to or to replace their records.

Deanaries where students train can also access details of users' profiles to enhance or replace their stored records . Table 1 illustrates how certain users may be provided with access to certain user information held by the central EAS database. Different types of users may be allowed or denied access to different information at any point in time providing an _'application to a central authorising body is successful .

Embodiments of the present invention provide a system which is cost effective and enables users to access a wealth of training content, tailored self assessment questions and real time feedback at any time during the day or week.

The content of the host node 15 may be continually updated so that as new developments are made to a process to be carried out by personnel those personnel can readily access the updated information so as to be constantly aware of new developments. A customer care and support team may be located at a further node 16 which may be accessed via the internet or via a normal telephone system and support personnel at this location may provide first line contact for customer/subscriber enquiries.

Embodiments of the present invention can be applied to provide training support for post-graduate business students in various countries.

Embodiments of the present invention can be provided to provide training for optometrists and nurse practitioners .

A haptic system may be introduced at the user equipment so that a user can operate tools in a virtual reality environment for a more interactive learning opportunity.

Embodiments of the present invention can provide training for personnel in the vetinary and/or engineering fields . Embodiments of the present invention can be used to supply medical schools, universities and teaching hospitals. The teaching aid will help increase an individuals exposure to surgical procedures allowing for repeated practice and experience to develop. In this modern era of restricted training, opportunities for surgeons and the reduced time in which to obtain that experience, means that enhanced learning opportunities are very desirable. By the use of self-assessment tests, progress can be assessed on an individual basis. By running a bespoke application users are enabled to not only view animated surgical techniques and listen to a corresponding voiceover but also allow students to interact through a user interface of their user equipment, to zoom in and out of an animation which permits a thorough understanding of anatomy involved in the procedure. A fast-forward, rewind, pause and other facilities can provide a rich and dynamic learning experience. Embodiments of the present invention provide self-assessment software. Once an animation or part of an animation is completed in the viewing platform the user will be able to gain valuable learning in the form of self-assessment questions, exams and questionnaires. These self-assessment tools allow a user to assess their own knowledge of a procedure which has been viewed.

Embodiments of the present invention may be applied so that the end user such as a training grade surgeon is able to access detailed 3D animations of surgical techniques and procedures from any computer. The system allows the user to rotate around, zoom in/out, pause, rewind/fast-forward and skip forward/backwards using a chapters function. The unique experience may be heightened by a voiceover track running simultaneously as the story of the procedure unfolds . The system includes a reporting section which enables all aspects of the interaction with the system to be recorded to a reporting server which may be located at the content node 15 or at a further processing node. This allows a complete and thorough understanding of a users experience and development .

Embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinabove by way of example only. It will be understood that modifications may be made to the specific examples described without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. A method for training a user to carry out a selected operation, comprising the steps of: providing a server node storing data associated with steps taken during at least one operation; and downloading data to a user terminal of said user after said user has selected a one of said at least one operation; whereby an animated sequence of said a one operation is displayed at a user display of said user terminal.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising the steps of : providing access to a website supported by said server node via the internet to said user terminal; and authenticating said user prior to said step of downloading data .

3. The method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising the steps of: subsequent to displaying at least a part of the sequence of said one operation, displaying at least one question relating to said operation on said user display. . The method as claimed in claim 3 further comprising the step of receiving data, identifying an answer to each said at least one question, at said server node.

5. The method as claimed in claim 4 further comprising the steps of: comparing said answer with a predetermined answer corresponding to said at least one question and downloading further data to said user terminal indicating if an answer has been correctly given.

6. The method as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5 further comprising the steps of: storing user data at said server node for identifying an answer given by said user to each question posed during a training process . 7. The method as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5 further comprising the steps of: storing further user data at said server node identifying at least one characteristic associated with a session during which said user operates an application associated with said server node.

8. The method as claimed in any one of claims 6 or 7 further comprising providing authorised personnel with access to said user data.

9 The method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said step of downloading data comprises: downloading an application to said user equipment, said application including instructions to the user equipment for displaying an animated sequence during a training process .

10. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein said step of downloading data comprises: subsequent to a user equipment being programmed with instructions for displaying an animated sequence, ^• downloading data associated with at least one selected animated sequence .

11. Apparatus for training a user to carry out a selected operation, comprising: a server node arranged to store data associated with steps taken by said user during at least one operation , wherein said server node comprises : an internet interface for providing said user with access to said data, and for providing an authorised user with access to user data stored at said server node when said user receives data from said server node.

12. A distance learning system for training subscribers to a learning course, comprising: a server node for delivering an application to at least one user equipment including a user interface including a display for displaying images; wherein when said application is performed at said usex equipment a subscriber is presented with a 3D animated sequence of a process to be learnt .

13. A distance learning system for training subscribers to a learning course, comprising: a host server node for storing an application downloadable to at least one user equipment including a user interface including a display for displaying images ; whereby when said application is downloaded a 3D animated sequence of a process to be - learnt to a subscriber is displayed on said user equipment; and subsequent to said sequence being displayed a subscriber is provided with means for verifying knowledge of at least one parameter associated with said animated sequence .

14. The system as claimed in claim 13 wherein said host server node is arranged to receive results from a. subscriber verification process and to store said results .

15. The system as claimed in claim 14 wherein said host server node is arranged to provide access remotely to an authorised user to access results provided by subscribers .

16. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings .

17. Apparatus constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings .