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


METHODS
The developed MSC consisted of 8 proven performance-enhancing modules. Its efficacy was assessed during laparoscopic simulator-based practice by novices using validated instruments of mental skills, workload, and stress, in addition to a skill transfer test to a porcine model. A paired t test was used to analyze the data.


RESULTS
Nine surgical novices completed the curriculum. Compared with baseline assessment, participants improved significantly their laparoscopic performance and mental skills after completion of the MSC. All participants completed the task in the porcine model without an appreciable change in their perceived stress. During the skill transfer test, 8 participants were observed using mental skills taught in the MSC.


CONCLUSIONS
A surgery-specific simulator-based MSC was developed, and its efficacy in improving mental skills and surgical performance was supported during a surgical skill transfer test.
Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, 545 Barnhill Dr., EH 125, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Carolinas Simulation Center, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC, USA. Electronic address: dimstefa@iu.edu.
Dimitrios
D
Stefanidis
Carolinas Simulation Center, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC, USA.
Nicholas E
NE
Anton
Carolinas Simulation Center, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC, USA.
Graham
G
McRary
Carolinas Simulation Center, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC, USA; Medical Education, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC, USA.
Lisa D
LD
Howley
Carolinas Simulation Center, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC, USA.
Manuel
M
Pimentel
Medical Education, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC, USA.
Cameron
C
Davis
Medical Education, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC, USA.
Ashley M
AM
Yurco
Centre for Implementation Science, Department of Health Service and Population Research, King's College, London, UK.
Nick
N
Sevdalis
Head in the Game, Inc, Charlotte, NC, USA.
Charles
C
Brown
D001288:Attention; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D007092:Imagination; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000193:education*; D008297:Male; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D000066908:Simulation Training; D013850:Thinking; D055815:Young Adult
Mental skills; Performance enhancement; Simulation training; Stress management; Surgery; Surgical training