Visuospatial ability is associated to 2D laparoscopic simulator performance amongst surgical residents

Extravert Surgical Resident Applicants Get Higher 360-Degree Evaluations From Coworkers

INTRODUCTION

360-degree evaluations are used as an assessment in order to identify strengths and weaknesses of, or as a continuous evaluation for, residents. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between personality and ratings on 360-degree evaluations among surgical residency applicants. A secondary aim was to describe the personality profile of applicants for a surgical residency position.

METHODS

Doctors interviewed for a residency or locum position in general, urology, or pediatric surgery were included. Participants rated their personality on the Neutralized Big Five Inventory. A 360-degree assessment was conducted. Scores from two laparoscopic simulators were used as a measure of technical ability. Univariate analyses were used to assess the results. Student's t-test was used to compare personality and Pearson correlations between 360-degree assessment and personality.

RESULTS

Fifty doctors participated: data were complete for 38. Personality profiles showed higher emotional stability, agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness ratings than the norm. Correlations revealed a significant relationship between extraversion and higher scores on the 360-degree assessments. Significant univariate correlations were found between extraversion and the 360-degree assessments, and two of the correlations held up after adjustment for multiple tests. No correlations with performance when using laparoscopic simulators were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Applicants for surgical residency rated significantly higher than the norm in four personality domains. Extraversion correlated with overall higher scores in 360-degree assessments by coworkers. Higher scores were not related to objective measures of technical skill, highlighting the importance of using objective measures for assessment.

Simulation training in urology

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review outlines recent innovations in simulation technology as it applies to urology. It is essential for the next generation of urologists to attain a solid foundation of technical and nontechnical skills, and simulation technology provides a variety of safe, controlled environments to acquire this baseline knowledge.

RECENT FINDINGS

With a focus on urology, this review first outlines the evidence to support surgical simulation, then discusses the strides being made in the development of 3D-printed models for surgical skill training and preoperative planning, virtual reality models for different urologic procedures, surgical skill assessment for simulation, and integration of simulation into urology residency curricula.

SUMMARY

Simulation continues to be an integral part of the journey towards the mastery of skills necessary for becoming an expert urologist. Clinicians and researchers should consider how to further incorporate simulation technology into residency training and help future generations of urologists throughout their career.