Cognitive training for the prevention of skill decay in temporarily non-performing orthopedic surgeons

Authors

  • Robi Kelc Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Maribor; Institute of Sports Medicine, FIFA Medical Center of Excellence, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor
  • Matjaz Vogrin Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Maribor; Institute of Sports Medicine, FIFA Medical Center of Excellence, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor
  • Janja Kelc Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Maribor, Slovenia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1080/17453674.2020.1771520

Abstract

Surgical tasks are prone to skill decay. During unprecedented circumstances, such as an epidemic, personal illness, or injury, orthopedic surgeons may not be performing surgical procedures for an uncertain period of time. While not being able to execute regular surgical tasks or use sur-gical simulators, skill decay can be prevented with regular mental practice, using a scientifically proven skill acquisition and retaining tool. This paper describes different theories on cognitive training answering the question on how it works and offers a brief review of its application in surgery. Additionally, practical recommendations are proposed for performing mental training while not performing surgical procedures.

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Published

2020-06-05

How to Cite

Kelc, R., Vogrin, M., & Kelc, J. (2020). Cognitive training for the prevention of skill decay in temporarily non-performing orthopedic surgeons. Acta Orthopaedica, 91(5), 523–. https://doi.org/10.1080/17453674.2020.1771520