Multipoint Haptic-Enabled Abdominal
Palpation Training
Author: Ali Asadipour (2nd year Engineering PhD)
Supervisor
Prof Alan Chalmers
University of Warwick
Co-Supervisor:
Dr Kurt Debattista
University of Warwick
Email: A.Asadipour@warwick.ac.uk
Tel: 02476151605 (ex. 51605)
Introduction
How to measure it?
“It is not acceptable to make mistake on patients
when alternatives are available.”
Kinesthetic Learning
Learning takes place by students carrying out a
physical activity to transform them into
representative mental symbols.
 Framework (System Integration)
Bloom’s Taxonomy
Of Educational
Objectives
(Bloom et al., 1956)
1) Microsoft Kinect (Position, 3D Model)
2) ParsGlove – Prototype (Pressure, Orientation)
 Validation (Experiment 1)
More hands-on trainings are compulsory in
particular disciplines (AKA do-ers)
 Pros
(+) Reduce the examination risk
(+) Provides experience prior to work with patient
(+) Increases frequency of rehearsals
(+) Improves assessment accuracy
 Cons (issues to be resolved)
Medical
Degree
(4-6 years)
Foundation
(2 years)
GP Training
(3 years)
Other
Specialities
(5-8 years)
Clinical Examination
(-) Cost Efficiency
(-) Accuracy and Functionality
(-) Simulation Realism
Future Work
Methodology
Physical Examination
Clinical Palpation
Cheap but effective method for diagnosing
diseases in early stages of patient care process.
Haptics R&D
Phase I
Phase II
 Hence, It is essential for students:
1) Research and design multipoint haptic interface
2) System Integrating: haptic interface, haptic API
and 3D model of abdomen from data collected
in phase I.
 Validation (Experiment 2)
1) To master these core skills early on in their
education
A focus group of medical students will be invited:
2) To retain them for the entirety of their
medical career
3) Step 1 – training:
To kinaesthetically learn how to palpate from
experts.
4) Step 2 – assessment:
To mimic the same palpation task (comparing
palpation patterns & giving feedback).
Conclusion
What to measure?




 Patient
1) Are there enough patients?
2) Frequency of palpating real patients?
3) Lack of specific abnormalities during
training period
 Tutors
4) Are there enough experienced tutors?
5) How accurate are the training assessments?
Enhancing clinical examination training
Provide technical guidance
Modelling the virtual examination
New Haptics-Enabled interface/applications.
Spatial Hand Tracking (3D)
 Places of performing palpation
 Hand postures – Palm & Fingers
Pressure Mapping
 Applied Forces during abdominal palpation amount & direction (Pressure)
Acknowledgments:
I'd like to give special thanks to:
 Prof Vinesh Raja for his support and supervision before
his retirement
 Prof Neil Johnson (Pro Dean Education Professor of
Medical Education)