title: Training improves laparoscopic tasks performance and decreases operator workload.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  It has been postulated that increased operator workload during task performance may increase fatigue and surgical errors. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) is a validated tool for self-assessment for workload. Our study aims to assess the relationship of workload and performance of novices in simulated laparoscopic tasks of different complexity levels before and after training.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-seven novices without prior laparoscopic experience were recruited in a trial to investigate whether training improves task performance as well as mental workload. The participants were tested on three standard tasks (ring transfer, precision cutting and intracorporeal suturing) in increasing complexity based on the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) curriculum. Following a period of training and rest, participants were tested again. Test scores were computed from time taken and time penalties for precision errors. Test scores and NASA-TLX scores were recorded pre- and post-training and analysed using paired t tests. One-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyse differences in NASA-TLX scores between the three tasks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  NASA-TLX score was lowest with ring transfer and highest with intracorporeal suturing. This was statistically significant in both pre-training (p < 0.001) and post-training (p < 0.001). NASA-TLX scores mirror the changes in test scores for the three tasks. Workload scores decreased significantly after training for all three tasks (ring transfer = 2.93, p < 0.001, precision cutting = 3.74, p < 0.001, intracorporeal suturing = 2.98, p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  NASA-TLX score is an accurate reflection of the complexity of simulated laparoscopic tasks in the FLS curriculum. This also correlates with the relationship of test scores between the three tasks. Simulation training improves both performance score and workload score across the tasks.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, National University Health Service, Singapore, Singapore. jesse_hu@juronghealth.com.sg.
authors.forename: Jesse S L
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, National University Health Service, Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Jirong
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, National University Health Service, Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Wee Boon
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, National University Health Service, Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Davide
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lomanto
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000193:education*; D008297:Male; D000066908:Simulation Training; D012846:Singapore; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000193:education; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D016526:Workload; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Laparoscopic surgery; Mental workload; Performance assessment; Surgical training