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World Journal of Surgery

Published in:

01-03-2011

Do Soft Skills Predict Surgical Performance?

A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Predictors of Skill Acquisition in Virtual Reality Laparoscopy

Authors: K. Maschuw, K. Schlosser, E. Kupietz, E. P. Slater, P. Weyers, I. Hassan

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 3/2011

Abstract

Background

Virtual reality (VR) training in minimal invasive surgery (MIS) is feasible in surgical residency and beneficial for the performance of MIS by surgical trainees. Research on stress-coping of surgical trainees indicates the additional impact of soft skills on VR performance in the surgical curriculum. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of structured VR training and soft skills on VR performance of trainees.

Method

The study was designed as a single-center randomized controlled trial. Fifty first-year surgical residents with limited experience in MIS (“camera navigation” in laparoscopic cholecystectomy only) were randomized for either 3 months of VR training or no training. Basic VR performance and defined soft skills (self-efficacy, stress-coping, and motivation) were assessed prior to randomization using basic modules of the VR simulator LapSim^® and standardized psychological questionnaires. Three months after randomization VR performance was reassessed. Outcome measurement was based on the results derived from the most complex of the basic VR modules (“diathermy cutting”) as the primary end point. A correlation analysis of the VR end-point performance and the psychological scores was done in both groups.

Results

Structured VR training enhanced VR performance of surgical trainees. An additional correlation to high motivational states (P < 0.05) was found. Low levels of self-efficacy and negative stress-coping were related to poor VR performance in the untrained control group (P < 0.05). This correlation was absent in the trained intervention group (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Low self-efficacy and negative stress-coping strategies seem to predict poor VR performance. However, structured training along with high motivational states is likely to balance out this impairment.

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Title: Do Soft Skills Predict Surgical Performance?
A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Predictors of Skill Acquisition in Virtual Reality Laparoscopy
Authors: K. Maschuw
K. Schlosser
E. Kupietz
E. P. Slater
P. Weyers
I. Hassan
Publication date: 01-03-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: World Journal of Surgery / Issue 3/2011
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-010-0933-2

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Do Soft Skills Predict Surgical Performance?

A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Predictors of Skill Acquisition in Virtual Reality Laparoscopy

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

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