Non-technical factors influence laparoscopic simulator performance among OBGYN residents

In addition to technical skills, nontechnical factors appear to influence surgical results. This study aims to analyze how visuospatial ability, self-efficacy, and flow are associated with simulated laparoscopic performance of residents in obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN). In this cohort study, 28 residents in obstetrics and gynecology were tested for visuospatial ability and self-efficacy prior to simulator training. All participants subsequently conducted a basic set of tasks in the simulator. Self-efficacy, once again, and flow were assessed after training. Nineteen of the subjects then completed a 2-day course with identical simulator tasks, although now to a predefined credential level. Visuospatial ability correlated with simulator performance in the technically most advanced simulator task in the basic set ("total time," r=-0.40, p=0.039). Flow correlated with: " right instrument pathway"(r=-0.40, p=0.004) in that same task and with the 2-day overall training results (r=-0.56, p=0.017). Self-efficacy correlated with the 2-day result (r0-0.56, p=0.013) and significantly improved after training (p=0.011). When constructing a curriculum for OBGYN residents, visuospatial abilities and non-technical factors like flow and self-efficacy should be considered.