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Visual-spatial ability, learning modality and surgical knot tying.

Michael G Brandt¹, Edward T Davies

¹Department of Otolaryngology, Schulich School of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London. mbrandt2005@meds.uwo.ca

Canadian Journal of Surgery. Journal Canadien De Chirurgie

|January 20, 2007

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Surgical skill in tying knots can be predicted by mental rotation ability. Computer-based learning improved surgical knot tying faster than traditional lectures, proving equally effective and more practical.

Area of Science:

Surgical Education
Medical Training
Spatial Cognition

Background:

The Vandenberg and Kuse Mental Rotations Test assesses 3D object rotation ability.
This study investigated the correlation between mental rotation skills and surgical knot-tying proficiency.
It also explored optimal learning methods for complex surgical skills.

Purpose of the Study:

To determine if the Mental Rotations Test predicts performance in a complex surgical skill: one-handed surgical reef knot tying.
To compare the effectiveness of computer-based self-directed learning versus didactic lectures for acquiring this skill.

Main Methods:

Preclerkship medical students were randomized into two groups: computer-based self-directed learning and didactic lecture-based learning.
The Mental Rotations Test was administered, followed by instruction in surgical knot tying using the assigned learning modality.

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Main Results:

Higher Mental Rotations Test scores correlated with improved surgical knot-tying speed.
Students in the computer-based self-directed learning group demonstrated faster improvement in knot-tying skills compared to the didactic group.

Conclusions:

Three-dimensional mental rotation ability is important for the initial learning of complex surgical technical skills.
Computer-based self-directed learning is as effective and more practical than traditional lecture-based methods for surgical skill acquisition.