The problem - A Dutch health report found many mistakes are being made due to a lack of training in the motor skills required from surgeons for Laparoscopy.
The solution in theory was to get mandatory training and certification through simulators. In practice, residents don't practice enough on simulators. Possible explanations include busy schedules, time away from the workplace, most simulators are boring and not challenging and require maintenance.
Article - "The impact of video games on training surgeons of the 21str ce" (2007) Rosser e.a. - basically says that the motor skills of video games are the same motor skills required by Laparoscopy and that gaming can help train these skills.
Grendel Games decided to use the Wii Motion Plus as the platform to make game to teach surgeons the appropriate motor skills. Grendel develops mostly medical serious games.
Challenges to address in game's development
- practice work with passive and active hand
- increasing depth perception
- working under dimly lit conditions
- making it entertaining (so player feels involved and responsible) - don't feel like doing extra hours on a simulation after working surgeries all day
- making it competitive
- making sure both male and female audiences are interested in the game by subject, aesthetics, and game play
Created a game that doesn't even look like surgery - takes you away from the entire real world but focuses on the movements you need for laparascopy surgery. Shows the ability of games to teach without the player knowing he/she is being taught.
Demonstration shown using Wii Motion Plus with game.
Budget comes from medical institutions/government instead of publishers/investors.
Website: Grendel-games.com
