Optimizing performance through stress training - An educational strategy for surgical residents

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Psychology

Background:

• Stress management programs are effective in high-pressure fields like aviation and sports.
• Similar educational strategies are lacking in surgical training.
• This study evaluates a stress management program for surgical residents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a stress management program for surgical residents.
• To determine if stress management training impacts procedural efficiency and anxiety during simulations.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, blinded study involving 137 surgical residents from 2011 to 2016.
• The intervention group (n=65) received training in self-awareness, focus, relaxation, positive self-talk, visualization, and team building.
• All participants completed a high-stress trauma simulation; outcomes measured were procedural efficiency and anxiety levels.

Main Results:

• Residents with stress management training achieved accurate diagnoses 21% faster than controls (2.2 vs. 2.8 minutes; p=0.04).
• Technical accuracy was improved in the intervention group (mean OSAT scores: 9.4 vs. 8.9; p=0.03).
• Physiologic and subjective anxiety metrics were similar between groups post-simulation.

Conclusions:

• Stress management education can enhance technical performance in surgical trainees during simulated high-stress scenarios.
• Early and comprehensive stress training should be integrated into surgical residency curricula.
• This approach may improve patient safety and outcomes.