Is mental training suitable for teaching a surgical procedure to students? A single-center study using a hernia model.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

New methods of teaching surgical skills are in demand. Mental skills training (MST) has been proven effective in the training of surgeons. However, research on medical students is still rare. This explorative study investigates whether a minimalist form of MST can support surgical performance on a hernia model in medical students in a way comparable to students trained using a conventional 'see one, do one' approach.

Methods

A novel inexpensive benchtop training model for abdominal wall hernias has been developed. Medical students were randomized into an 'See one, do one' and a 'See one' + MST group. Both groups received the same theoretical instructions, after which a tutor demonstrated the operation on the model. While the first group received training in MST after

SUBMITTER: Kopp M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12494617 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature