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Effects of cognitive aptitude on the initial performance on a laparoscopic simulator

Utesch, T. (2014) Effects of cognitive aptitude on the initial performance on a laparoscopic simulator.

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Abstract:Aim: Laparoscopic surgery is getting more and more important. Compared with open surgery there are several advantages of laparoscopic surgery for instance fewer complications and a decreased postoperative hospital stay. Especially important during the initial learning phase of surgeons are cognitive abilities. They can be trained and tested on virtual reality simulators for laparoscopic surgery. In the current study the relationship between cognitive abilities and performance on a laparoscopic simulator is examined. It is expected that visuo-spatial ability and spatial memory are the best predictors for initial performance on a laparoscopic simulator. The findings could be used to develop training and assessment for surgeons, which consequently could decrease complications during laparoscopic surgery. Method: 28 participants had to do cognitive aptitude tests on a computer to measure visuo-spatial ability, spatial memory, reasoning ability and processing speed. After that participants had up to 6 session of 30 minutes time on a virtual reality simulator for laparoscopic surgery. They had to pass two tasks on the simulator (“cutting” and “clip applying”). For the data-analyses different regression analyses were performed. Results: Processing speed has the highest correlation with performance. On the cutting task there is a significant correlation between processing speed and tissue damage. The correlations between visuo-spatial ability and spatial memory with the dependent variables of performance are weak. Discussion: The cognitive abilities had only limited predicting values in this study. The best predictors were processing speed and reasoning ability. The expectations could not be confirmed. Visuo-spatial ability and spatial memory had only weak a relation with performance. It is possible that the results are mediated by technical problems with the simulator. The results show that the relations between cognitive abilities and performance on a simulator are complex. It is necessary to do more research on this topic in order to develop suitable assessment and training for surgeons.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/65809
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