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Surgical Endoscopy

Published in:

01-01-2013

Personality traits and virtual reality performance

Authors: Rachel Rosenthal, Juliane Schäfer, Henry Hoffmann, Martina Vitz, Daniel Oertli, Dieter Hahnloser

Published in: Surgical Endoscopy | Issue 1/2013

Abstract

Background

Surgeons’ personalities have been described as different from those of the general population, but this was based on small descriptive studies limited by the choice of evaluation instrument. Furthermore, although the importance of the human factor in team performance has been recognized, the effect of personality traits on technical performance is unknown. This study aimed to compare surgical residents’ personality traits with those of the general population and to evaluate whether an association exists between their personality traits and technical performance using a virtual reality (VR) laparoscopy simulator.

Methods

In this study, 95 participants (54 residents with basic, 29 with intermediate laparoscopic experience, and 12 students) underwent personality assessment using the NEO-Five Factor Inventory and performed five VR tasks of the Lap Mentor™ basic tasks module. The residents’ personality traits were compared with those of the general population, and the association between VR performance and personality traits was investigated.

Results

Surgical residents showed personality traits different from those of the general population, demonstrating lower neuroticism, higher extraversion and conscientiousness, and male residents showed greater openness. In the multivariable analysis, adjusted for gender and surgical experience, none of the personality traits was found to be an independent predictor of technical performance.

Conclusions

Surgical residents present distinct personality traits that differ from those of the general population. These traits were not found to be associated with technical performance in a virtual environment. The traits may, however, play an important role in team performance, which in turn is highly relevant for optimal surgical performance.

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Title: Personality traits and virtual reality performance
Authors: Rachel Rosenthal
Juliane Schäfer
Henry Hoffmann
Martina Vitz
Daniel Oertli
Dieter Hahnloser
Publication date: 01-01-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Surgical Endoscopy / Issue 1/2013
Print ISSN: 0930-2794
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2218
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-012-2424-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Personality traits and virtual reality performance

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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