EP.TU.713A review of mobile device stands to facilitate virtual surgical skills teaching

Aims To assess optimal overhead video camera stand for virtual surgical skills teaching. Methodology Based on the assumption that most surgical trainees have an internet-enabled mobile device with a camera, an overhead device mounted on a phone stand is a ubiquitous set-up for trainers and trainees to demonstrate surgical skills to each other virtually. On 4th December 2020, to reflect affordability and accessibility, phone stands under £15 were purchased from an online retailer, Amazon. Data regarding their design characteristics were collected and studied. Each product was independently reviewed in a simulated setting by two investigators. Results 11 stands were identified with prices ranging from £5.99 to £14.99, with an average of £9.20. Clamp phone holders were the most secure in camera stability but were less adaptable to a variety of device sizes. Table-clamp and broad-based phone stands were sturdier than tripod-based holders. Fit-for-purpose phone stand designs were linked with smaller space occupied at set-up, greater maximum height for camera and more intuitive set-up. Products with smaller box dimensions, which were associated with storability, allowed them to be portable and have lower costs of delivery. Conclusion The ideal features for a phone stand are a clamp or stand for the base and a clamp phone holder, with reasonable cost and storability. Phone stand 4 was the most favourable candidate based on this review; however, further user feedback is required from trainees and trainers to select an ideal design suited for virtual surgical skills teaching.