Light environment affects the efficiency of surgical suture training

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Skills Training
• Human Factors in Medicine

Background:

• Suture knotting is fundamental to surgical proficiency.
• The learning environment, particularly lighting, significantly impacts skill acquisition efficiency.
• This study examines the influence of optical conditions on learning suturing and knotting techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of different optical environments on the learning efficiency of surgical suturing and knotting skills.
• To determine the optimal lighting conditions for surgical skills training.

Main Methods:

• 44 medical students were divided into four groups, each training under distinct optical conditions.
• Salivary amylase activity was measured to assess objective stress levels.
• Subjective psychological state and skill mastery were evaluated using Likert scales and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE).

Main Results:

• High illumination (700 lx) with low color temperature (4000 K) led to significantly higher autonomy scores.
• High illumination (700 lx) and high color temperature (6000 K) resulted in significantly higher salivary amylase activity.
• The optimal training group achieved an average OSCE score of 95.09, significantly outperforming other groups.

Conclusions:

• High illumination combined with low color temperature (6000 K) represents optimal training conditions for surgical skills.
• These lighting conditions promote trainee optimism, reduce stress, and enhance learning efficiency.
• The study underscores the critical role of the light environment in surgical training quality and effectiveness.