Investigating divergent thinking and creative ability in surgeons (IDEAS): a survey protocol

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Healthcare Innovation

Background:

• A robust pipeline of creative individuals is essential for addressing 21st-century healthcare challenges.
• Creativity in surgery remains an underinvestigated area.
• Understanding creativity levels and predictors in surgeons is crucial for future training and selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the level and nature of creativity among surgeons.
• To identify predictors of high creativity in surgical professionals.
• To inform selection and training strategies for future surgeons.

Main Methods:

• Convenience sampling of surgeons from McMaster University's Department of Surgery.
• Administration of the Abbreviated Torrance Test for Adults to assess divergent thinking.
• Descriptive analyses and multiple linear regression to analyze creativity predictors.

Main Results:

• The study aims to quantify creativity levels across surgical specialties.
• Predictors of divergent thinking ability among surgeons will be identified.
• Data will be synthesized to understand the landscape of surgical creativity.

Conclusions:

• Findings will highlight areas of high and low creativity within surgery.
• This research may guide the development of more effective surgeon selection and training programs.
• Dissemination through peer-reviewed publications and conferences is planned.