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The role of cognitive abilities in laparoscopic simulator training

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Abstract

Learning minimally invasive surgery (MIS) differs substantially from learning open surgery and trainees differ in their ability to learn MIS. Previous studies mainly focused on the role of visuo-spatial ability (VSA) on the learning curve for MIS. In the current study, the relationship between spatial memory, perceptual speed, and general reasoning ability, in addition to VSA, and performance on a MIS simulator is examined. Fifty-three laparoscopic novices were tested for cognitive aptitude. Laparoscopic performance was assessed with the LapSim simulator (Surgical Science Ltd., Gothenburg, Sweden). Participants trained multiple sessions on the simulator until proficiency was reached. Participants showed significant improvement on the time to complete the task and efficiency of movement. Performance was related to different cognitive abilities, depending on the performance measure and type of cognitive ability. No relationship between cognitive aptitude and duration of training or steepness of the learning curve was found. Cognitive aptitude mediates certain aspects of performance during training on a laparoscopic simulator. Based on the current study, we conclude that cognitive aptitude tests cannot be used for resident selection but are potentially useful for developing individualized training programs. More research will be performed to examine how cognitive aptitude testing can be used to design training programs.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Dr. Klaas H. Groenier for his excellent help with the statistical analyses and Els Reeuwijk, MSc. for her assistance with data collection.

Conflict of interest

M.G., J.M.C.S., H.A.T.M. and I.A.J.M.B. have no conflicts of interest or financial ties to disclose.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Technical Medicine, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands

    M. Groenier, H. A. T. Miedema & I. A. J. M. Broeders

  2. Department of Cognitive Psychology and Ergonomics, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands

    J. M. C. Schraagen

  3. TNO Human Factors, Soesterberg, The Netherlands

    J. M. C. Schraagen

  4. Department of Surgery, Meander Medical Centre, Amersfoort, The Netherlands

    I. A. J. M. Broeders

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  1. M. Groenier
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  2. J. M. C. Schraagen
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  3. H. A. T. Miedema
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  4. I. A. J. M. Broeders
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Correspondence to M. Groenier.

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Groenier, M., Schraagen, J.M.C., Miedema, H.A.T. et al. The role of cognitive abilities in laparoscopic simulator training. Adv in Health Sci Educ 19, 203–217 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10459-013-9455-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10459-013-9455-7

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