SurgeryMate app: developing and evaluating a training app for surgical instruments and operating room equipment

INTRODUCTION: Operating Room (OR) students require thorough familiarity and proper usage of surgical instruments and OR equipment before entering clinical settings. Mobile apps offer significant potential for training support. This study aimed to design, develop, and evaluate a training app for surgical instruments and OR equipment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This applied-developmental study began by gathering data from library resources, guidelines, and existing app reviews to identify essential data items and capabilities for the “SurgeryMate” app. After descriptive statistical analysis, Unified Modeling Language (UML) diagrams and scenario tables were created to illustrate the app’s general flow. The SurgeryMate app was then designed and developed using the Java programming language within the Android Studio environment. User feedback was collected from instructors and students, who installed and used the app on their mobile phones, using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) questionnaire. RESULTS: Key app features were determined based on a survey of professors regarding surgical instruments, OR equipment, and an alphabetical list of surgical instruments. Usability and satisfaction evaluations indicated that the app met expectations. CONCLUSION: A training app with authentic content can effectively raise awareness, enhance the quality of training, and supplement student learning in the OR setting.