The Impact of Self‐Belief on Laparoscopic Performance of Novices and Experienced Surgeons

Abstract

In a small sample, high self-belief does not predict success. In novices it negatively correlates with laparoscopic skills, while in advanced residents it is independent of laparoscopic performance. Thus, training aspects seem to be of greater importance for laparoscopic skills. Nevertheless, nontechnical aspects like self-belief, motivation, stress-coping strategies, judgment, decision-making, and leadership should be included in the surgical curriculum.

The LapSim virtual reality simulator: promising but not yet proven

“…Interestingly, high levels of self-belief in novices correlated negatively with laparoscopic skills. In contrast to advanced laparoscopic surgeons, the self-belief of novices seemed to be independent of performance, indicating that training was more important than high levels of self-belief [58]. Innate visual-spatial perception, however, seemed to correlate positively with better performance of novices, indicating the possibility of this trait being used as a selection tool for candidates entering surgical training [59].…”

“…Other studies performed with the LapSim have investigated the impact of self-belief [58] and innate visual-spatial perception [59] on surgical performance. Interestingly, high levels of self-belief in novices correlated negatively with laparoscopic skills.…”

Virtual reality laparoscopy: which potential trainee starts with a higher proficiency level?

“…Machuw et al [34] demonstrated in a group of 40 inexperienced and experienced residents that high self-confidence measured by the German General Self-Efficacy Questionnaire does not predict success in simulator performance.…”

Coping with stress in surgery: the difficulty of measuring non-technical skills

“…However, it is difficult to clearly define the relationship between nontechnical skills such as stress management and surgical performance. Existing studies are small and have shown conflicting results [11]. This may be due to inadequate measurement of these skills [13], resistance to training [14] or lack of recognition of their importance [15].…”

“…People with high levels of self-efficacy conceptualise successful outcomes to situations, are more motivated and experience less anxiety in stressful situations which could otherwise impair performance [10]. Self-efficacy rating scales [11] and other tools [12] have been used to study the effect of stress on surgical performance. However, it is difficult to clearly define the relationship between nontechnical skills such as stress management and surgical performance.…”