Development and validation of mental practice as a training strategy for laparoscopic surgery

Abstract

This is the first study to develop and validate MP as a novel training approach for laparoscopic surgery. Mental practice may be a time- and cost-effective strategy that improves surgeons' ability to visualize themselves performing a LC, increasing both their knowledge and confidence.

The mind’s scalpel in surgical education: a randomised controlled trial of mental imagery

“…1 When applied to learning of a motor task, it activates synaptic connections in the motor frontal cortex that are normally activated by actual physical practice. 2 Neuroplasticity has been shown in other traditionally unimodal cortical areas such as the auditory and visual cortices.…”

“…9 In surgery, MI as a technique of motor learning and practice has the theoretical advantages of being safe and inexpensive when compared with traditional learning in the operating theatre or in a simulation environment. 1 In addition, it has been shown to improve nontechnical aspects of surgical performance such as stress 10 and confidence. 1 Mental imagery is usually performed one on one with the learner and according to a script that contains visual, cognitive and kinaesthetic cues.…”

Mental practice: a simple tool to enhance team-based trauma resuscitation

“…[4][5][6][7][8][15][16][17] The current evidence in surgical disciplines suggests that MP is a safe and cost-effective method for training novice surgeons in technical procedures. 8,16,17 A randomized controlled trial by Arora et al found MP to be beneficial for enhancing the imagery and performance of novice surgeons during a simulated laparoscopic cholecystectomy.…”

“…8,16,17 A randomized controlled trial by Arora et al found MP to be beneficial for enhancing the imagery and performance of novice surgeons during a simulated laparoscopic cholecystectomy. 5,8 Recently, Hayter et al found that warm-up using MP did not improve anesthesia CRM skills in novice anesthesia trainees during a simulated cardiac arrest. 11 This study found no significant difference in performance of CRM skills as assessed by the Ottawa GRS, or on the secondary outcomes of time to chest compressions, time to epinephrine administration, and time to blood administration.…”

“…The mMIQ was applied to control for individual variation in mental imagery aptitude. 5 The mMIQ is based on a 7-point Likert scale composed of eight questions and serves as a manipulation check to assess the vividness of an individual's imagery process prior to participating in an activity. 5 …”