Implementation results of a novel comprehensive mental skills curriculum during simulator training

Abstract

IntroductionMental skills training refers to the implementation of cognitive performance-enhancing strategies to promote optimal performance. We aimed to develop a surgery-specific mental skills curriculum (MSC) and obtain initial evidence of efficacy.

Effectiveness of a comprehensive mental skills curriculum in enhancing surgical performance: Results of a randomized controlled trial

“…However, the curriculum implemented in our study is much more robust than those that only implemented mental imagery, as it addresses several additional important mental skills such as goal setting, energy and attention management strategies, refocusing techniques, and performance routines. Our findings in this study along with evidence from prior studies 16,21 provide support that mental skills training should be implemented in surgical training curricula, as a supplement to surgical simulation training.…”

“…21 The MSC group participated in eight biweekly 45-minute mental skills education sessions with a mental performance coach, just before their laparoscopic training session. Each session required participants to observe video modules to educate them on specific mental skills and how they may be implemented to optimize surgical performance, complete exercises in an accompanying workbook to crystalize how learners planned to implement each mental skill during surgical simulation training and eventual surgical performance, and practice each skill during the subsequent FLS training session under the supervision and guidance of the mental performance coach to facilitate participants' development of mental skills as habits for performance.…”

Mental skills training limits the decay in operative technical skill under stressful conditions: Results of a multisite, randomized controlled study

“…The specific skills featured in our curriculum, which have been described in detail elsewhere, 11,12 included identifying action plans and goals for laparoscopic skills training and performance, arousal regulation skills, attention management and mindfulness, mental imagery, comprehensive refocusing strategies, and developing thorough routines for surgical performance.…”

“…10 Accordingly, we sought to ameliorate this dearth in surgical education by 3 developing a novel and comprehensive mental skills curriculum (MSC) and have implemented it with diverse learners. [11][12][13][14] Initially, our group implemented our MSC with surgical novices in a pilot study of its effectiveness during their laparoscopic skills training. 11 From baseline to post-test, we observed significant increases in novices' use of mental skills (i.e., overall use of mental skills in practice and performance settings, attention, and mental imagery) and significantly increased laparoscopic performance.…”

“…[11][12][13][14] Initially, our group implemented our MSC with surgical novices in a pilot study of its effectiveness during their laparoscopic skills training. 11 From baseline to post-test, we observed significant increases in novices' use of mental skills (i.e., overall use of mental skills in practice and performance settings, attention, and mental imagery) and significantly increased laparoscopic performance. We also implemented two stress tests displaying strong evidence of validity to elicit stressful responses with novices during our pilot study, the Trier Social Stress Test (i.e., a presentation-type task in front of an expert in the field), and a task of fine-motor control and dexterity in competition with each other.…”