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Development of a mental script for the mental practice of micro suturing: a methodological approach
V Rajaratnam1, Hjh Ng1, N A Rahman2
1Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore.
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
|December 21, 2021
Summary
This study developed a mental script for micro suturing using a rubber glove model, proving effective for surgical skill acquisition through motor imagery and mental practice.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Education
- Medical Simulation
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Motor imagery and mental practice are crucial for mastering surgical skills.
- Effective mental practice relies on a well-developed mental script.
- This study details the creation of a mental script for micro suturing using a low-fidelity model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a mental script for basic micro suturing training.
- To assess the effectiveness of a rubber glove model for surgical skill acquisition.
- To provide an accessible and inexpensive method for surgical practice.
Main Methods:
- Design and development research framework utilized.
- Expert surgeons performed cognitive walkthroughs and hierarchical task analysis.
- Face, content validity, and Mental Imagery Questionnaire (MIQ) were used for assessment.
Main Results:
- A detailed process for mental script development was established.
- The developed mental script demonstrated good face and content validity.
- The MIQ scores confirmed the script's validity for generating mental imagery in micro suturing.
Conclusions:
- The described methodology offers an inexpensive and accessible approach to surgical skill training.
- This model effectively supports motor skill acquisition via mental practice.
- The approach should supplement, not replace, existing surgical training methods, as it doesn't address non-technical skills.
