| Date | November 2018 | Marks available | 3 | Reference code | 18N.2.SL.TZ0.6 |
| Level | SL | Paper | 2 | Time zone | no time zone |
| Command term | Identify | Question number | 6 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Medical students require extensive training in preparation before they qualify as a surgeon. Part of this training involves the use of simulation software.
The simulation software projects the surgery scenario onto a touchscreen display. Students wear “smart” gloves to hold tools for performing the virtual operation on the touchscreen monitor. The touchscreen display shows realistic surgical tools.
Outline one advantage and one disadvantage of training medical students with simulation software.
Identify three technical aspects that the gloves have to address so that they can be used in this way for the simulation of operations.
Define the term visualization.
The medical school is considering updating its simulation software, which currently displays the simulation in 2D, to one that displays it in 3D.
Discuss whether this change to a 3D display would improve the quality of the training.
Markscheme
Award up to [4 max] as follows:
Award [1 max] for identifying an advantage and [1 max] for an expansion.
Award [1 max] for identifying a disadvantage and [1 max] for an expansion.
Advantages (requires an expansion):
They may see a complex situation numerous times / gain confidence in using the surgical tools;
Without putting patients at risk / or keep practicing until they feel confident that they will be able to get it right in reality;
Disadvantages (requires an expansion):
They don’t have real-life experience;
Therefore, we don’t know whether they will faint at the sight of blood;
They may be trained just on the software (a unique body shape);
But body shapes are different and students might find themselves at odds;
They do not get an idea of how hectic the theatre can be/space available/interferences among people;
And this training alone will be useless;
Award up to [3 max]:
It needs sensors to assess the pressure of the hand on the instrument;
Its positioning with respect to the touchscreen needs to be tracked (for example by an external camera);
Its inclination with respect to the touchscreen needs to be tracked;
The change of tools held should be quickly reflected in the image that is displayed (affects communication);
The specific tool needs to be recognized;
The representation of (abstract) data;
In a way that is understandable by humans;
Award up to [6 max].
Award [1 max] for identifying an advantage of the use of 3D and [1 max] for an expansion up to [3 max] for discussing the advantages of the use of 3D;
Award [1 max] for identifying a disadvantage of the use of 3D and [1 max] for an expansion up to [3 max] for discussing the advantages of the use of 3D;
Award [1 max] for a considered conclusion;
Note to examiners: To achieve [6] a conclusion must be provided.
If there is no conclusion the maximum mark is 5.
A 3D simulation will be more realistic;
As depth can be shown;
Patient’s body can be rotated; // allow up to [2] for example;
But, a 3D simulation takes more time to render / more calculations have to be made;
So, may not be displayed in real time;
It is more demanding on memory / may exceed available memory;
For an application, as serious as medical training, adequate hardware and software should be made available so that 3D simulations can be carried out;
