06.06 Novel Link Between Cholesterol & Hydrogen Sulfide Production Potential in Vascular Disease Patients

Posted on January 18, 2016

W. W. King1, A. Longchamp1, M. Tao1, R. Kulkarni1, J. R. Mitchell2, C. K. Ozaki1, G. Sharma1 1Brigham And Women’s Hospital,Vascular And Endovascular Surgery,Boston, MA, USA 2Harvard School Of Public Health,Department Of Genetics And Complex Diseases,Boston, MA, USA

Introduction: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a vasoactive gasotransmitter that is endogenously produced in the vasculature. In animal models, H2S is required for the maintenance of normal vascular function and protects from surgical stress including visceral and muscular ischemia-reperfusion injury, cardiac overload, and stroke. However, data regarding H2S biology in humans remains sparse. We hypothesized that there are specific clinical factors and circulating biomarkers that link with H2S generative capacity.

Methods: After obtaining institutional review board approval, we prospectively collected demographic information, clinical history, peripheral blood, and subcutaneous and perivascular adipose tissues from consented patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA), major leg amputation (AMP), or open lower extremity (arterial) revascularization (LER). Standard laboratory data were extracted from the medical record. Nine adipose-associated biologic mediators (adiponectin, IL-1β , IL-6, IL-8, leptin, MCP-1, PAI-1, resistin, and TNF) were assayed in the adipose tissues and plasma. In addition, serum H2S production capacity was determined utilizing the lead sulfide method. For categorical clinical and demographic characteristics, the continuous H2S and mediator data were analyzed using either Wilcoxon rank-sum or Student’s t-test, while for continuous clinical and demographic variables, adipose mediators, and H2S Pearson or Spearman correlation testing was utilized depending upon the normality of distribution.

Results: The cohort included 78 patients (49 CEA, 12 AMP, 17 LER). While several weak associations were identified between adipose related mediators and H2S production potential, the most powerful association among the variety of factors examined was total serum cholesterol: regression analysis revealed a negative correlation between total cholesterol and H2S (r=-0.53, p=<0.001) (Figure 1).

Conclusions: In human patients with vascular disease, there is a strong negative correlation between total serum cholesterol and H2S generative capacity. This unexpected relationship likely holds important mechanistic implications for the genesis and management of arterial vascular disease.

06.07 Model of Hemodynamic Changes after Arteriovenous Fistula Creation

Posted on January 18, 2016

L. Laquian1, Y. He1, S. Berceli1,2 1University Of Florida,Division Of Vascular And Endovascular Surgery,Gainesville, FL, USA 2Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center,Gainesville, FL, USA

Introduction: Chronic inflammation and hemodynamic changes are major components of the altered physiology in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Parallel studies in our laboratory have identified significant changes in leukocyte biology and their genomic profile in association with arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation. The purpose of this study is to characterize the changes in blood flow and wall shear stress (WSS) associated with AVFs. We hypothesize that increased WSS and turbulence associated with AVFs act as a driving force for the altered biology in HD patients.

Methods: Utilizing vessel dimension and blood flow data compiled from the literature, normal systemic circulation was modeled and then adapted for left brachiocephalic AVF creation using postoperative values. For each vascular segment, transit time, peak WSS, and peak Reynolds number (as an indicator of turbulent flow) were calculated. Fraction of circulation time spent at high WSS (>40 dyn/cm2) and turbulent flow (Reynolds number >4000) was computed in normal and AVF models.

Results: Increased flow after AVF creation results in elevated peak WSS and Reynolds number in the subclavian and brachial arteries. Peak WSS in the left subclavian artery increases by more than seven fold from 32 dyn/cm2 preoperatively to 232 dyn/cm2 after AVF creation. Left brachial artery peak WSS increases from 46.0 dyn/cm2 to 209.5 dyn/cm2 after AVF placement. Overall, high peak WSS in normal upper extremity circulation occurs for 9.5% of circulation time but does not exceed 50 dyn/cm2 (Fig 1A). After AVF creation, 13.5% of circulation time is spent at high WSS, with 7.4% of circulation time spent at over 200 dyn/cm2. With an AVF, subclavian artery flow turns turbulent as Reynolds number increases from 1309 in normal circulation to 9366. Peak Reynolds number in the brachial artery increases from 660 to 3008 after AVF, reflecting more disordered and chaotic flow. In normal circulation, 2.5% circulation time is spent at turbulent flow, while an AVF increases circulation time at turbulent flow to 13.9% (Fig 1B).

Conclusion: AVF creation leads to elevated WSS and more turbulent flow compared to normal circulation. Furthermore, the time spent at high WSS and turbulent flow increases after AVF placement. Ongoing studies have been initiated to investigate the influence of this increased exposure time to higher WSS and turbulent flow on circulating immune cell phenotype and their role in the chronic inflammatory state that characterizes the typical HD patient.

06.08 Development of a Novel Murine Carotid Artery Neointimal Hyperplasia Model

Posted on January 18, 2016

A. M. Steely1,2, T. Mann-Gow2, B. S. Childs2, M. Kida2,3, P. Zvara1,2 1The University Of Vermont Medical Center,Department Of Surgery,Burlington, VT, USA 2The University Of Vermont,College Of Medicine,Burlington, VT, USA 3The University Of Vermont Medical Center,Department Of Pathology And Laboratory Medicine,Burlington, VT, USA

Introduction: Neointimal hyperplasia remains a common problem following vascular surgery. Current murine mechanical injury models, which denude the endothelium in a retrograde fashion and require suture ligation of some portion of the arterial tree, have been criticized for the small proliferative response and high inter-animal variability. Our aim was to develop a simple, reproducible, mechanical, antegrade murine common carotid artery (CCA) neointimal hyperplasia model that does not require suture ligation of any portion of the cervical arterial tree.

Methods: After creating an arteriotomy in the CCA with a 30G needle, a 0.010-inch hydrophilic wire was used to cannulate the CCA via the arteriotomy and denude the endothelium in an antegrade fashion. Hemostasis at the arteriotomy site was achieved by placing a topical cellulose matrix (Surgicel, Ethicon, Inc. Somerville, New Jersey) over the arteriotomy site. Mice were euthanized 0, 4, 11, and 32 days following CCA injury after systemic formaldehyde perfusion fixation. CCA sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), trichrome, and elastin van Gieson (EVG).

Results: Loss of endothelial cells and intimal disruption was observed at POD 0. Early fibrin deposition was seen in the injured arterial segment at POD 4, however, fibroblast migration with early organization was not observed until POD 11. Organized thrombus with intimal hyperplasia and neo-lumen formation was evident on POD 32.

Conclusion: Antegrade mechanical injury with a hydrophilic wire effectively and reproducibly denudes the endothelium of the murine CCA with subsequent neointima formation throughout the injured arterial segment. This novel, physiologic, and reproducible CCA injury model may aid in the development of innovative pharmaceuticals to prevent and treat neointimal hyperplasia.

06.03 The Effect of Autophagy on Wound Healing in the Murine Model

Posted on January 18, 2016

H. Albadawi1,2, M. W. Koulopoulos1, L. M. Crowley1, H. Yoo1, M. T. Watkins1,2 1Massachusetts General Hospital,Division Of Vascular And Endovascular Surgery, Department Of Surgery,Boston, MA, USA 2Harvard School Of Medicine,Brookline, MA, USA

Introduction: Delayed wound healing is a significant comorbidity associated with peripheral vascular disease. Autophagy is an important cellular process for homeostasis during tissue repair. The role of autophagy in the wound healing process has not been investigated. This study evaluated the effect of the autophagy inhibitor, chloroquine, on cutaneous wound healing in mice.

Methods: Two groups of mice were subjected to excisional full-thickness splinted wounds created on the upper dorsum using a 5mm biopsy punch. The first group of mice were treated daily with an intraperitoneal injection of 50mg/kg chloroquine (CQ, n=8) starting 24hrs before wounding. The second group received saline as an untreated control (CON, n=10). Wound closure was assessed using serial photography and image analysis at days 0, 3, 7, 11 and 14, and expressed as a percentage of the original wound size. On day 14, the mice were euthanized and the wounds were harvested and analyzed by western blotting for markers of autophagy, the ratio of the lipidated autophagosome localized isoform of the microtubule-associated protein Light Chain-3 (LC3-II) to its non-lipidated cytosolic localized isoform (LC3-I) and the expression of Sequestosome-1 (p62). Western blot data was expressed as arbitrary units (AU). Statistical analysis was performed using student-t test and Pearson correlation test.

Results: Wound healing was significantly delayed at days 11 (CQ: 78.0±4.9, CON: 55.7±6.4 percent, p<0.0001) and 14 (CQ: 37±6.8; CON: 18.1±4.8 percent, p=0.028) in the CQ group. Western blot analysis showed significant increase in p62 protein levels (CQ: 0.61±0.06; CON: 0.44±0.04 AU, p=0.02) and LC3-II/I ratio (CQ: 0.61±0.04; CON: 0.37±0.08, p=0.024) in the CQ group. There was a positive correlation between the wound size at day 14 and the p62 protein levels in the same wound (Pearson r=0.83, p=0.02).

Conclusion: These data suggest that autophagy plays a significant role in the wound healing process. The significant increase in the LC3-II/I and p62 protein accumulation demonstrated chloroquine’s inhibitory effect on autophagy. This finding was supported by the positive correlation between wound size at day 14 and the corresponding p62 levels.

06.04 Thrombin and Laminar Flow have Synergistic Effects on YAP Activation in Endothelial Cells

Posted on January 18, 2016

J. Kurita1,2, G. Chitragari1,2, B. E. Sumpio1,2 1Yale University School Of Medicine,Vascular Surgery,New Haven, CT, USA 2VA Connecticut Healthcare System,Vascular Surgery,West Haven, CT, USA

Introduction: The endothelium can be activated not only by mechanical forces of the circulation but also by circulating chemicals such as thrombin (Th). However, the effect of combined mechanical and chemical stimulation of endothelial cells (EC) is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of steady laminar flow (CLF), as a mechanical stimuli, and Th, as a chemical stimuli, on yes-associated protein (YAP) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) activities in EC. YAP is a mechano-signaling protein that controls growth and proliferation depending on cell shape. ERK5 is an intracellular protein that maintains EC integrity.

Methods: Bovine aortic ECs seeded on fibronectin coated glass slides were grown to confluence in culture medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum. Thereafter, they were serum starved for 16 hours and were subjected to 0.5, 1, 2, or 4 hours of CLF utilizing a parallel plate flow chamber system controlled by a computerized pump for 4 hours at 37? in the presence or absence of Th (4U/ml). Western blot analysis of total and phospho-YAP and ERK5 was performed. The activities of YAP and ERK5 were determined based on the ratio of immunoblot intensity of phosphorylated to total protein. Fold change compared to static control (Ctrl) at 0 hour was calculated and compared for significant difference using t-test. P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: ERK5 activity rose slightly through 4 h for all experimental groups but was only significantly increased in the Th group at 4 hours (1.95±0.39; p<0.03 vs Ctrl) (Figure B). YAP was phosphorylated by Th and the combination of CLF+Th (2.96±0.73; p<0.01 and 2.44±1.16; p<0.05 vs Ctrl, respectively). YAP phosph/total ratio was significantly increased with time through 4 h in the CLF group (p<0.05 vs Ctrl), while the ratio in the CLF+Th group showed the similar time course pattern as in the Th group within 2 hours. However, at 4 h it rose to the level of the CLF groups (Figure A).

Conclusion: Thrombin and flow did not activate ERK5. YAP was phosphorylated in EC exposed to both thrombin and flow although flow stimulation was stronger. The combination of flow and thrombin had an additive effect on YAP phosphorylation. These results indicate selective activation of intracellular proteins by mechano-chemical signals. Further studies have to be done to elucidate the interactions of these signaling pathways and to understand their roles in endothelial response to stimuli.

06.05 Baseline Adipose Phenotype Predicts Vascular Surgery Wound Complications

Posted on January 18, 2016

R. Kulkarni1, W. W. King1, S. Shah1, A. Longchamp1, M. Tao1, K. Ding1, C. K. Ozaki1, G. Sharma1 1Brigham And Women’s Hospital,Vascular And Endovascular Surgery,Boston, MA, USA

Introduction: Wound complication rates after vascular surgery may be as high as 30%, and represent a major cause of morbidity, mortality, and cost. The authors have previously demonstrated that local adipose tissue can exhibit an exacerbated inflammatory response to local surgical trauma. To date, however, links between human adipose phenotype and procedural outcomes such as wound complications have not been reported. We hypothesized that specific adipose-related biomarkers uniquely link to 30-day wound complication rates in patients undergoing open vascular surgical procedures.

Methods: Clinical history, peripheral blood, and subcutaneous and perivascular adipose tissue were prospectively collected from patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA), lower extremity revascularization (LER), and lower extremity amputations (AMP) at the time of surgery. Nine adipose-associated biologic mediators (adiponectin, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, leptin, MCP-1, PAI-1, resistin, and TNF) were assayed in the adipose tissues and plasma. Wound complications were classified according to a previously published grading system. Logarithmic transformation of mediator levels was performed based on positively skewed, non-Gaussian distribution and data were compared using the Student’s t-test. All statistical analyses were conducted using SAS software,v9.3 (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC.)

Results: The cohort included 115 patients (49 CEA, 44 LER, 22 AMP). Median follow-up was 14 months (SD 9.97 months) and 30-day follow-up was 94.8%. At 30 days, 22 (19.1%) patients had wound complications—namely, superficial surgical site infections (14/22), hematoma (4/22), dehiscence (4/22), seroma or lymph leak (3/22), and deep surgical site infection (1/22). There were several statistically significant, plasma/perivascular/subcutaneous compartment-specific relationships between logarithmically transformed mediator levels and wound complications. Most notably, mean plasma TNF levels were higher in patients with superficial surgical site infections (figure, panel A), whereas plasma (figure, panel A), and perivascular (figure, panel B) TNF levels were lower in patients with wound dehiscence. There was also a trend relating elevated subcutaneous TNF levels and any wound complication (p=0.05.)

Conclusions: Adipose-associated mediator levels at the time of operation demonstrate a compartment-specific relationship to wound outcomes in patients undergoing vascular surgical procedures. These associations likely have implications for mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of wound complications, and suggest novel interventional strategies to reduce wound complications based on the plasticity of the adipose organ’s phenotype.

06.01 Development of a Co-Culture Injury Model for Studying Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Migration In Vitro

Posted on January 18, 2016

F. Galambo1, H. Bass1,2, R. Beard2, B. J. Cha2, P. R. Nelson1,2 2University Of South Florida College Of Medicine,Department Of Molecular Pharmacology And Physiology,Tampa, FL, USA 1University Of South Florida College Of Medicine,Division Of Vascular And Endovascular Surgery/Department Of Surgery/Morsani College Of Medicine,Tampa, FL, USA

Introduction: Vascular injury disrupts normal vessel wall architecture causing de-endothelialization, and SMC dedifferentiation. Unregulated SMC migration leads to neointimal hyperplasia and eventually restenosis. We sought to develop an in vitro co-culture model to study SMC physiology under conditions of injury. We hypothesized that disrupting quiescent co-cultures would lead to stimulation of SMC chemotaxis.

Methods: SMC/EC co-cultures were established by growing human aortic EC to confluence onto the bottom surface of 0.45µm porous polycarbonate membranes in 6-well Transwell® inserts. Human aortic SMC were then grown to confluence on the top/inner side of the membranes and the co-cultures were then incubated for 48-72 hours to reach equilibrium. The porous membrane allows both chemical and physical communication between the cells, but maintains the layered architecture found in the vessel wall in vivo. To confirm this, the model was characterized using multiphoton fluorescent microscopy. Migrating SMCs were grown to confluence, serum starved for 48 to 72 hours, and seeded onto a second 24-well Transwell® insert with 8.0 µm pores. These inserts were then suspended into SMC and EC monocultures, as well as our co-culture model, both uninjured and injured. Injury of co-culture was created using a cell scraper. Migration was measured using a 4 hour modified Boyden chemotaxis assay. Comparisons were performed using a Student’s T-test.

Results: Using a Z-stacked technique, 3-Dimensional renderings and transverse sections of co-culture membranes demonstrated not only the establishment of healthy co-culture, but also the presence of cell-cell contact through the pores. Under serum-free stimulant-free conditions, SMC demonstrated a low baseline level of migration. SMC exposed to either EC or SMC monoculture alone demonstrated significantly increased migration (P< .0001). SMC exposed to uninjured SMC/EC co-culture demonstrated migration that returned to unstimulated control levels (* P< .0001). SMC exposed to injured SMC/EC co-culture exhibited significantly increased migration levels compared to uninjured conditions (** P< .0001). Migrations results are summarized in Figure 1.

Conclusion: Confocal microscopy demonstrated the viability and utility of our co-culture model in studying vascular injury physiology in vitro. SMC and EC grown in co-culture induce a quiescence compared to either cell type alone, and as such had no influence on SMC chemotaxis. In contrast, disrupting this quiescence, by injuring the co-culture lead to a significant stimulation of SMC migration. This model holds promise to more accurately study the mechanism of restenosis.

06.02 Urotensin’s Mechanistic Role for Development of Intimal Hyperplasia in Androgen Deficient Males

Posted on January 18, 2016

J. Univers1, D. J. Mountain1, B. M. Freeman1, R. T. Fisher1, S. S. Kirkpatrick1, F. A. Klein1, M. B. Freeman1, O. H. Grandas1 1University Of Tennessee Graduate School Of Medicine,Department Of Surgery,Knoxville, TN, USA

Introduction: Androgen deficiency (AD) is associated with increased risk of vascular disease, though the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We have previously demonstrated testosterone (TST) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration and proliferation in a dose dependent manner in vitro. Furthermore, we have shown that AD increases intimal hyperplasia (IH) in vivo in a rodent model of vascular injury, while physiological TST replacement attenuated this effect. Urotensin II (UTS) is a potent vasoconstrictor and can stimulate cellular proliferation. Activation of the UTS/UTS receptor mechanism has been shown to exacerbate vascular pathologies. Here we investigated the role of UTS in AD-induced IH.

Methods: Three groups of aged orchiectomized (AO) male rats underwent TST supplementation via controlled release pellet (0.5-5 mg). Young and aged intact (YI, AI) and AO placebo (Plac) groups served as controls. All groups underwent balloon angioplasty of the left common carotid following 14d TST therapy. Carotid tissue was collected 14d post-injury, and stained for UTS quantification. Human male VSMCs were treated with TST or DHT (0-3000nM) for 24h then subjected to qPCR for UTS/UTS receptor expression or PCNA/Ki67 proliferation marker analyses. Cells were stained with Phalloidin-FITC for visualization of cytoskeletal organization.

Results:UTS receptor staining was low in injured vessels of YI, AI, and Plac controls but was significantly upregulated in all AO groups receiving TST supplementation, irrespective of dose (Fig1A/B). UTS peptide in the tissue was not affected by TST exposure. In vitro exposure to DHT increased the expression of UTS receptor in VSMCs in a dose-dependent manner, with 3000nM increasing expression by 55±13% vs. 0nM; n=3; P<0.05. However, this did not correlate with any change in proliferative markers PCNA or Ki67. Phalloidin staining of filamentous-actin revealed that DHT induced cytoskeletal organization in a dose–dependent manner (Fig1C).

Conclusion:AD alone does not affect the UTS/UTS receptor mechanism. However TST and DHT increase the expression of UTS receptor, in vivo and in vitro, respectively. This regulation has no effect on proliferative markers but does correlate to a shift in filamentous-actin organization. Analyses of this organization in the presence of UTS receptor agonist/antagonists, and its downstream effect on vasotone, are ongoing. Future studies will examine the potential for exogenous TST therapy to exacerbate dysfunctional vasoconstriction via the upregulation of UTS receptor. These studies are needed in determining if TST replacement in AD men should be evaluated for attenuation of vascular pathogenesis.

09.13 Disparities in Curative Surgical Treatment of Localized Gastrointestinal Malignancies

Posted on January 18, 2016

K. A. Harden1, N. F. Fino2, C. J. Clark1 1Wake Forest University School Of Medicine,Department Of General Surgery,Winston-Salem, NC, USA 2Wake Forest University School Of Medicine,Department Of Biostatistical Sciences,Winston-Salem, NC, USA

Introduction:

With a cancer diagnosis of the gastrointestinal tract, surgery provides a potential for cure; however, not all patients with localized disease undergo an operation. The aim of the current study was to identify person and population level disparities in sociodemographic and health characteristics between patients with localized gastrointestinal malignancies treated with and without curative resection.

Methods:

Using the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Results-Medicare Health Outcomes Survey linked database (SEER-MHOS), we identified patients diagnosed with localized adenocarcinoma of esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, and rectum who completed a comprehensive physical and mental health outcomes survey within two years of their diagnosis. Overall survival was summarized using Kaplan Meier methods; the log rank test was used to test for survival differences by receipt of surgery. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify disparities in sociodemographic and health characteristics between patients who were or were not treated with curative resection.

Results:

2,051 eligible patients were included in the study cohort. 20.3% of patients did not undergo surgery expected for treatment of a localized gastrointestinal cancer. Overall survival was improved for those treated with surgery (HR 0.63, 0.55-0.74 95% CI, p<0.001). Univariate analysis of sociodemographic and health characteristics showed that surgical intervention was less likely in male patients, non-homeowners, lower median household income, older age, more than two comorbid conditions, any impairment in activities of daily living, lower physical quality of life, prior history of cancer, and larger tumor size (all p<0.05). Person-level social characteristics including non-white race, less than high school education, and marriage status were not predictors of undergoing surgery. In addition, population-level social characteristics including non-metropolitan residence, non-white neighborhood, lower income neighborhood, and neighborhood with lower level of education, were not predictors of undergoing surgery. In a multivariate model using both person and population-level social characteristics, factors independently associated with curative resection were female gender, younger age, fewer comorbidities, and no prior history of cancer (all p<0.05).

Conclusion:

In the United States, patients diagnosed with early stage GI malignancies were less likely to proceed with curative resection secondary to person-level health characteristics. We did not observe population-level disparities in the treatment of early GI malignancies based on social and economic differences.

05.18 Medical School Surgical Boot Camps: The Need For Objective Outcomes

Posted on January 18, 2016

C. J. Neylan1, K. R. Dumon1, I. W. Folkert1, D. T. Dempsey1, J. B. Morris1, N. N. Williams1, S. R. Allen1 1University Of Pennsylvania,Department Of Surgery,Philadelphia, PA, USA

Introduction: The ACS, ASE, APDS, and ABS recently published a joint statement supporting the implementation of surgical pre-residency preparatory courses by medical schools in the United States. Over the past two decades, many medical schools have started offering a surgical ‘boot camp,’ or surgical capstone course, in the fourth year of medical school in an effort to improve students’ performances when they begin surgical internship. The purpose of this study was to perform a comprehensive review of the literature to date evaluating the effects of a surgical boot camp.

Methods: Multiple searches of Pubmed were conducted to identify published papers to August 2015. Key search terms included surgical boot camps, capstone courses, and medical education reform. Abstracts and presentations at meetings were not included. Relevant articles were categorized by their method of evaluating boot camp outcomes.

Results: 14 studies evaluated the outcomes of surgical boot camps. Of these studies, 10 evaluated the impact of boot camps by rating student/intern confidence, while 8 assessed student/intern competence (2 studies evaluated both confidence and competence). The 10 studies that assessed confidence were unanimous in their finding that boot camps increase student and intern confidence. The 8 studies that assessed competence were unanimous in their finding that boot camps increase performance (on exams, procedures, or clinical tasks). However, only 3 of these 8 studies followed-up on performance into the intern year. These 3 studies assessed the competence of interns either by subjective methods (e.g. Likert scale ratings) or objective methods (e.g. OSCE scores), and the assessments occurred either in the simulated setting or the clinical (i.e. hospital) setting, as far as 6 months into internship. One study used objective and subjective methods to evaluate 29 interns in a simulated setting; another study used objective methods in a simulated setting and subjective methods in a hospital setting (n = 84 interns); the third study used objective methods in a simulated setting (n = 19 interns). None of these 3 studies evaluated intern competence using objective methods in the hospital setting.

Conclusion: Despite the demonstrated success of boot camps in improving the confidence of students and interns, the effect of a surgical boot camp on the actual clinical or operative performance of interns in a non-simulated hospital setting has not been studied. Further research is needed to objectively evaluate the effect of surgical boot camps on intern competence and clinical performance in the real world hospital setting.

05.19 Differences in Perceived Value of a Balance in Life Program for Residents by Gender and PGY-Level

Posted on January 18, 2016

C. A. Liebert1, A. Salles1,2, M. Esquivel1, R. S. Greco1, C. Mueller1 1Stanford University,Surgery,Palo Alto, CA, USA 2Washington University,Surgery,St. Louis, MO, USA

Introduction: Surgical residents are at increased risk for depression, burnout, and suicide compared to age-matched peers in the general population. A multifaceted Balance in Life program designed to improve residents’ physical, psychological, professional, and social wellbeing was implemented at an academic residency program. This study evaluated the value of the individual program components amongst the residents.

Methods: General Surgery residents (n=64) completed a voluntary electronic survey in 2014 and 2015 regarding utilization and perceived value of key components of the Balance in Life program during the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 academic years. Program components included group psychological counseling sessions, a refrigerator stocked with healthy food, a Resident Peer Mentorship Program, a Class Representative System, social events, a ropes course, and a 1-day offsite resident retreat. Means and standard deviations were calculated for Likert responses overall, as well as by gender and PGY-level; t-tests were performed to assess for differences between subgroups.

Results: Residents perceived all components of the program as valuable. The most valued components were the resident retreat (mean=1.27, 1=extremely valuable, 2=moderately valuable, 3=somewhat valuable, 4=slightly valuable, 5=not at all valuable) and the refrigerator (1.43), followed by social events (2.25), group psychological counseling sessions (2.33), the ropes course (2.38), the Resident Peer Mentorship Program (3.02), and the Class Representative System (3.11). Group psychological counseling sessions were valued highest by preliminary general surgery residents compared to categorical residents (1.96 vs. 2.59, p=0.03) and junior residents compared to senior residents (2.00 vs. 2.58, p=0.047). Gender differences between perceived value of the components were identified. Females valued the group psychological counseling sessions (p=0.02), refrigerator (p=0.03), social events (p=0.03), and Class Representative System (p=0.003) more than male residents. There were no statistical differences in perceived value of the components between the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 years.

Conclusion: A novel multifaceted Balance in Life program to address the physical, professional, and psychosocial wellbeing of surgical trainees is feasible and highly valued by residents. Gender and PGY-level differences exist in the perceived value of components, with females, junior residents, and preliminary residents placing higher value on specific components of the program. Further research is needed to quantify the effectiveness and longitudinal impact such a program has on resident depression, burnout, and other psychological factors.

05.20 Evaluation of Entrustment in Interactions Within the Operating Room

Posted on January 18, 2016

G. Sandhu1,2, C. P. Magas1, A. B. Robinson1, R. M. Minter1,2 1University Of Michigan,Department Of Surgery,Ann Arbor, MI, USA 2University Of Michigan,Department Of Learning Health Sciences,Ann Arbor, MI, USA

Introduction: The operating room is a critical learning environment for surgical residents. Transitioning residents from observers to assistants to safe independent practitioners, while keeping patient safety paramount, is a complex feat. Faculty must make entrustment decisions and determine the degree to which they can safely release gradual responsibility to residents. It is imperative to better understand faculty-resident interactions in the operating room and means by which to identify entrustment that would allow for progressive autonomy.

Methods: Field notes were documented from 30 general surgery cases resulting in 160 hours of operating room observations with variations in pairing among 20 general surgery residents and 10 faculty. All observations were conducted at a single institution. Thematic analysis of field notes in combination with preliminary data from 32 resident interviews informed development of the Faculty-Resident Operative Entrustment Tool – OpTrust. OpTrust focuses on assessment of faculty-resident interactions which enhance or inhibit intraoperative entrustment decisions.

Results: Through a highly iterative process of systematically reviewing OpTrust, the tool was refined to 6 items and 4 levels of descriptive anchors with each item describing behaviors on both sides of the faculty resident dyad. The 6 items are: (?) types of questions asked; (?) operative plan; (?) instruction; (?) problem solving; (?) leadership by the surgical resident; (?) near miss or error. Collectively, these items and leveled anchors provide a robust and multi-dimensional view of faculty-resident operative entrustment interactions, and the impact of behavior of each in achieving autonomy (Figure 1).

Conclusion: Identifying intraoperative behaviors and the level of entrustment associated with each behavior for both faculty and residents, OpTrust provides a novel pedagogical intervention to enhance resident progress towards greater autonomy.

05.15 Communication Between Surgery Residents and Nurses on the Inpatient Wards: Why Time and Space Matter

Posted on January 18, 2016

O. Fernando2, N. G. Coburn1,2,5, A. B. Nathens1,2,3,5, J. Hallet1,2,5, N. Ahmed1,6, L. Gotlib Conn2,4 1University of Toronto,Department Of Surgery,Toronto, ONTARIO, Canada 2Sunnybrook Research Institute,Toronto, ONTARIO, Canada 3University Of Toronto,Institute Of Health Policy, Management And Evaluation,Toronto, ONTARIO, Canada 4University of Toronto,Department Of Anthropology,Toronto, Ontario, Canada 5Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre,Surgery,Toronto, ONTARIO, Canada 6St. Michael’s Hospital,Surgery,Toronto, ONTARIO, Canada

Introduction:

Optimal interprofessional communication is broadly viewed as a prerequisite to providing quality patient care and enhancing provider satisfaction. Poor interprofessional communication has been associated with medical error and patient harm. We explored the enablers and barriers to interprofessional communication between surgical residents and ward nurses with a view towards improving residents’ educational experiences and the quality of surgical patient care.

Methods:

We conducted a qualitative, ethnographic study of interprofessional communication between general surgery residents and nurses in surgical wards of two Toronto academic hospitals, Centres A and B, totaling 126 hours of observations. Additional data were derived from semi-structured interviews (n= 33) with residents and nurses. Data were collected and analyzed iteratively to the point of theoretical saturation. Data were compared between the two centres for analysis of context-specific variables influencing communication.

Results:

Constraints on communication between residents and nurses at the two centres derived from contested meanings of space and time. Residents experienced the contested spatial boundaries of the surgical ward when they perceived nurses to project a sense of territoriality. Residents were thus found to engage in ward avoidance behaviours and they perceived ward work to be devoid of collaborative interprofessional work or educational opportunity. Nurses expressed difficulty getting residents to respond and attend to pages from the ward, and to have a poor understanding of the nurses’ role. Contestations over time spent in training and patient care were found in resident-nurse interactions, wherein residents perceived seasoned nurses to devalue their clinical knowledge on the ward. Nurses viewed the limited time that residents’ spent in clinical rotation on the ward as adversely affecting communication. Residents felt nurses’ tacitly and explicitly diminished residents’ extensive education and clinical expertise resulting from a perceived unfamiliarity with the ward itself.

Conclusion:

There are numerous challenges to enhancing communication between nurses and residents at academic health centres that are rooted in culture. Interventions to improve the culture of interprofessional care have proven effective in some settings. Our study underscores that improvement efforts must (a) identify and target the many social and cultural dimensions of healthcare team member relations; (b) recognize how power is deployed and experienced in ways that negatively impact interprofessional communication; and (c) enhance an understanding and appreciation of each others’ professional attributes and be delivered within a framework that incorporates the temporal and spatial dimensions of interprofessional care.

05.16 Establishing The Role Of General Surgery Chief Resident Of Quality Improvement And Patient Safety

Posted on January 18, 2016

M. W. LaPorta1, S. L. Bachman1, P. Graling1, J. Donovan1, H. A. Prentice1, J. M. Dort1, J. J. Moynihan1, H. D. Reines1 1Inova Fairfax Hospital,Department Of Surgery,Falls Church, VA, USA

Purpose:

Recognizing the increased emphasis on quality improvement and patient safety (QI/PS) and the critical role of surgical residents in providing frontline patient care and documentation, we identified the need for a formal chief resident role to oversee QI/PS on the Surgical service.

Methods:

The Chief Resident of QI/PS role was created during the 2014-15 academic year. This Chief served in the role for one year, and was a member of several Department of Surgery and institutional committees. The Chief’s duties included: developing interventions targeted to areas with opportunity for improvement within the department and the institution, as well as overseeing the QI/PS projects required of each surgical resident. The QI/PS Chief created an institution-wide, multidisciplinary Resident QI/PS Committee which reported to the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Committee as well as a formal residency didactic curriculum based on Quality in Training Initiative (QITI).

Results:

At least six successful initiatives were implemented during the inaugural QI/PS Chief year. A required progress note phrase was implemented in the electronic medical record (EMR) to improve Surgical Care Improvement Program compliance. The EMR phrase was modified to improve communication surrounding discharge planning. A treatment team ‘face-sheet’ was deployed to help patients recognize the members of their care team. An early post-operative Colorectal Mobility Initiative was implemented. The Resident QI/PS Committee, comprised of appointed residents, program directors, institutional officials, and the Director of QI/PS, met six times over the year. The agenda included PS events involving residents, best practices across campus, and preparation for the annual campus GME Quality Symposium. A formal didactic for QI/PS curriculum was created based on the ACS NSQIP QITI guidelines. Additionally, we found a significant increase in resident participation in our institutional GME Quality Symposium; participation increased 3-fold after the creation of the formal role.

Conclusions:

The benefits of a QI/PS Chief include: increased participation of surgical residents in developing solutions to improve patient care quality and PS, identification of new QI/PS issues by an active group of providers with established pathways to enact change, and dissemination of QI/PS issues to a surgical residency by a peer group member. During their tenure, QI/PS Chiefs experience personal growth, advanced QI/PS education, and active engagement and involvement in institutional-wide change. In the coming years this formal role will recognize and build upon surgical residents’ influence in improving patient care on an institutional level.

05.17 Re-Emergence and the Online Social Media Behaviours and Perceptions of Residency Applicants

Posted on January 18, 2016

J. Dengler1, R. Austin1, K. Devon2,4, J. Fish1,3 1University of Toronto,Division Of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery,Toronto, Ontario, Canada 2University of Toronto,Division Of General Surgery,Toronto, Ontario, Canada 3Hospital For Sick Children,Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery,Toronto, Ontario, Canada 4Women’s College Hospital,General Surgery,Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Introduction:
The use of online social networking (OSN) has become ubiquitous amongst medical trainees, and is continuing to grow. With its widespread use, residency training programs have started to incorporate OSN profile screening as an additional tool for evaluating applicants, a technique widely used in the hiring process of other professional industries. However, the value of screening residency applicants on social media websites remains undefined and controversial. The aim of our study was to prospectively examine the online social media presence of residency applicants before and after the residency match, and to characterize applicants’ perspectives on the use of OSN screening in the residency selection process.

Methods:
Two independent investigators searched several prominent social media websites (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, MySpace, and GooglePlus) to determine whether they could identify the OSN profiles of students applying to a single surgical residency program at the University of Toronto. The search was performed in three iterations: the first during the 2014/2015 Canadian residency matching process, the second after the residency match was finalized but prior to the start of residency training, and the third several months after the start of residency training. The degree to which profiles were publicly accessible was noted. After the last search was complete, applicants were surveyed on their OSN use as well as their OSN behaviour during the application cycle.

Results:
The most frequently used OSN website is Facebook, with 17% (8 of 46) of applicants being identifiable during the match compared to 39% after the match was complete. Only 7% of applicants were found on Instagram; this increased by 13% after the match was complete. The presence on Twitter and LinkedIn remained unchanged (13% and 45%, respectively). Moreover, the profile content on LinkedIn was limited to what was available in a candidate’s application. The majority of profiles were only identifiable when an applicant’s photo was used (72%). Moreover, identifying profiles of candidates with more common names was largely unsuccessful. Although inter-rater reliability of identifying profiles was adequate (kappa = 0.843), the search process was time consuming (average 10 minutes per candidate). Applicant survey responses are being actively collected and analyzed.

Conclusion:
This study suggests that residency applicants limit their public OSN presence during the application cycle, with a re-emergence of OSN use after residency spots have been secured. Moreover, the majority of OSN platforms are of low yield, and searches cannot be performed without photographic identification, which may pose ethical concerns. If OSN profiling is to become a standard part of the residency application process, searches must be limited to high-yield platforms, and guidance must be sought from other industries to maximize the efficiency of OSN profiling and to ensure an ethical practice.

05.12 Standardized Patient Care Protocols Adversely Affect Residents’ & Fellows’ Critical Thinking Skills

Posted on January 18, 2016

R. Bollig1, M. Knight2,4, E. Heidel1, P. Miller3, P. Terry2, M. Goldman1, B. J. Daley1 4King University,Department Of Behavioral And Health Sciences,Knoxville, TN, USA 1University Of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville,Trauma & Critical Care Surgery/General Surgery/Graduate School Of Medicine,Knoxville, TN, USA 2University Of Tennessee,Department Of Public Health,Knoxville, TN, USA 3Wake Forest Baptist Health,General Surgery,Winston Salem, NC, USA

Introduction: Information regarding effects of standardized patient care protocols on critical thinking skills is inconclusive. These protocols are designed to promote patient safety, service quality, and cost-effectiveness. We evaluated analytical skills of surgical residents and fellows in relation to various ‘pathways.’ Our hypothesis was participants would ‘default to a protocol’, instead of critical thinking in critical care scenarios.

Methods: After IRB approval, we developed a 14 question, multiple-choice survey for residents and fellows. The questions were validated by experts, and focused on common scenarios encountered in the ICU. The questions evaluated decisions to ‘follow the protocol’ for the given stem, either as a distractor or the correct answer. Critical thinking was defined as answering the question correctly. The questions were distributed to residents and fellows at three regional institutions. Data was analyzed using frequency statistics and paired samples t-tests. An alpha of .05 assumed significance.

Results: A total of 342 residents and fellows were emailed surveys. When choosing the correct answer, 81.3% of the time, critical thinking was used. When the incorrect answer was chosen, it was attributed to not thinking critically 66% of the time. Ultimately, participants chose to incorrectly follow the protocol 34.3% of the time.

Conclusion: This study shows a trend for trainees to follow a protocol as a reflex, without critical assessment or decision making. Our findings cast doubt on the use of protocols in training residents and fellows. As surgical educators, we cannot allow learners to defer critical thinking abilities in favor of easy established protocols.

05.13 Introduction to Lap/Endoscopic Skills During Orientation Boosts Intern Confidence and Preparedness

Posted on January 18, 2016

O. Kantor1, D. S. Loeff1, K. K. Roggin1, N. Schindler2, M. B. Ujiki2 1University Of Chicago,Department Of Surgery,Chicago, IL, USA 2Northshore University Health System,Department Of Surgery,Evanston, IL, USA

Introduction:
Implementation of curriculum-based skills modules have been successful in resident education across surgical disciplines. We hypothesized that skills modules in introduction to the laparoscopic tower, endoscopic tower, and laparoscopic abdominal access during surgery intern orientation would increase intern confidence and ability in these skills.

Methods:
In this intern orientation-based pilot of three introductory curriculum modules, six categorical general surgery interns underwent attending-led modules on introduction to the laparoscopic tower, endoscopic tower, and laparoscopic abdominal access. Both confidence and ability to perform the skill were assessed pre and post module on a 1-5 Likert scale (1=unable to do, 3=able to do with verbal cues, 5=able to do independently). Paired t-tests were used to compare means.

Results:

Of 6 interns, 1 had zero hours of simulation training in medical school, 3 had 1-5 hours, and 2 had 6-10 hours. History of simulation training did not correlate with pre-module confidence in any module (p>0.05).

The introduction to the laparoscopic tower module assessed the ability to identify components of the tower, completely set up the tower, assemble the scope, white balance the scope and turn on the insufflator, and troubleshoot an alarming insufflator. Intern confidence increased significantly from a pre-module mean of 2.83 to a post module mean of 4.77 (range 1-5 to 4-5, p<0.01). Ability to perform the skills increased from a pre-module mean of 3.12 to post-module mean of 4.97 (range 1-5 to 3-5, p<0.01).

The introduction to the endoscopic tower module assessed the ability to identify an upper and lower endoscope, identify the function of the buttons and dials, assemble the tower, and troubleshoot the scope camera. Intern confidence significantly increased from a pre to post module mean of 2.56 to 4.06 (range 1-4 to 2-5, p<0.01) and ability to perform the skills increased from a pre to post module mean of 3.90 to 5.00 (range 3-5 to 5, p<0.001).

The introduction to laparoscopic abdominal access assessed the ability to identify different approaches (Hassan, Veress, optical), explain complications and contraindications, and obtain abdominal access. Intern confidence significantly increased from a pre to post module mean of 1.90 to 3.90 (range 1-4 to 2-5, p<0.01). Due to time constraints, pre-testing was not assessed for the abdominal access module. On post-test, the mean score was 2.88 (range 1-4).

Conclusion:
Our pilot study showed a statistically significant increase in both intern confidence and ability to perform skills on three introductory modules. By incorporating these modules into surgery intern orientation, we were able to introduce important basic skills to better prepare for residency.

05.14 Factors and Methods to Improve the Success Rate of Intravenous Catheterization by Medical Students.

Posted on January 18, 2016

I. Woelfel3, K. Takabe1,2,4 1Virginia Commonwealth University,Department Of Surgery,Richmond, VA, USA 2Virginia Commonwealth University,Division Of Surgical Oncology,Richmond, VA, USA 3Virginia Commonwealth University,Richmond, VA, USA 4Massey Cancer Center,Richmond, VA, USA

Introduction: Intravenous cannulation (IV) is one of the most basic and essential medical procedures. The Association of American Medical Colleges lists it among the eight procedures in which all graduating medical students should be competent. However, it was reported that 30% of third year, and 23% of fourth year medical students have never placed an IV. IV cannulation can be a source of anxiety for medical students as it is often their first procedural patient care. We sought to investigate what barriers medical students face in successfully honing this skill and what factors have a positive impact on the success rate of IV placement.

Methods: A confidential web-based survey consisting of 12 free response and multiple choice questions was created and distributed via email to total of 367 third and fourth year students at a single US allopathic medical school. The responses were collected over a 2-week period in July 2015. The data were then imported and analyzed by two-tailed, unpaired T-tests.

Results: The response rate was 49.0% (180/367). The mean age of respondents was 25.4 years old, with males making up the predominant sex at 54.8%. 65.5% of the M3 class and 21.8% of the M4 class have never even attempted to place an IV due to lack of opportunity in the hospital environment but this is most likely because the survey was conducted at the beginning of the year. Common difficulties cited include: improper positioning of the needle and failure to identify the most appropriate insertion site. Also contrary to our expectation, prior preparation such as reading, watching videos or lectures did not increase the success rate. Interestingly, 91.6% of students who reported 1 attempt were successful in that first placement. With each successive attempt the mean rate of failure trended down from 50.0% at 2 attempts to 25.6% for over 9 attempts. The success rate was significantly better after 10 attempts than at attempts 2-9. Students who had training prior to medical school demonstrated a significantly higher success rate compared to students without. As we expected the success rate was significantly higher in EMTs (81.4%, p=0.038) but surprisingly it was also higher in lab researchers (86.6%, p=0.014).

Conclusion: A significant percentage of students were not given opportunities to attempt IV cannulation. We found that neither the type of preparation nor the preferred location of placement has any affect on success rate. The first attempt had a high rate of success likely due to an increased level of supervision and attention. Prior experience, not only as an EMT but also as a lab researcher, significantly increases the success rate. Therefore, it is important for medical educators to target those with no prior experience in the healthcare field and ensure adequate training so that this impediment to their success can be overcome.

05.09 The Use of Social Media in Surgical Education: An Analysis of Twitter

Posted on January 18, 2016

B. J. Smart1, N. Nagarajan2, J. K. Canner2, M. Dredze3, E. B. Schneider2, M. Luu1, Z. Berger4,5,6, J. A. Myers1 1Rush University Medical Center,Department Of Surgery,Chicago, IL, USA 2Johns Hopkins University School Of Medicine,Department Of Surgery,Baltimore, MD, USA 3Johns Hopkins University School Of Medicine,Department Of Computer Science,Baltimore, MD, USA 4Johns Hopkins University School Of Medicine,Division Of General Internal Medicine,Baltimore, MD, USA 5Johns Hopkins University School Of Medicine,Berman Institute Of Bioethics,Baltimore, MD, USA 6Johns Hopkins University School Of Medicine,Department Of Health, Behavior And Society, Johns Hopkins School Of Public Health,Baltimore, MD, USA

Introduction:
Billions of people worldwide use social media platforms to share information and surgeons are beginning to recognize the potential of these platforms for furthering surgical education. Social media such as Twitter allows educators to cost-effectively distribute information across geographical borders while allowing learners to customize the information they receive. However, there has been a lack of research on assessing the use of social media to further surgical education. We sought to examine the use of Twitter for surgical education.

Methods:
Individual tweets were identified using the hashtag ‘surgicaleducation’ for one entire month. Individual users who generated these tweets were identified to determine user characteristics such as location, gender and type of affiliation. The content of the tweets were qualitatively analyzed to determine whom the tweet was directed towards, the overall purpose, the associated surgical discipline, the contents of links, and if the tweets were associated with a scholarly conference.

Results:
In total, 84 English language tweets with the hashtag ‘surgicaleducation’ were collected with 52 unique users. Overall, 48 (57.14%) of the tweets were directed exclusively towards other clinicians and a majority of the tweets contained content that was an opinion about surgical education (26 [30.95%]) followed by promotion of scholarly activity (23 [27.38%]) and announcing an educational event or opportunity (13 [15.48%]). In total, 18 (21.43%) of the tweets were related to a surgical conference. There were 53 (63.10%) tweets that had an associated link and of these links a majority were to a peer-reviewed journal article (19 [35.85%]), followed by healthcare-related websites (15 [28.30%]), and multi-media (10 [18.87%]). A majority of the users were located in the United States (32 [61.54%]) with the central (10 [31.25%]) and northeast (9 [28.13%]) regions of the United States having the most users. 28 (53.85%) of the users were private users, of whom 17 (60.71%) were identified as male. Overall, 29 (55.77%) were affiliated with university hospitals, 8 (15.38%) with non-profit organizations and 6 (11.54%), with peer-reviewed journals.

Conclusion:
Social medial platforms, such as Twitter, are a powerful tool to share information in the field of surgical education. Of those who use Twitter for surgical education, most are from university programs in the United States and use the medium to share personal opinions, promote scholarly activity and inform others about educational events and opportunities. Future efforts should be directed at better understanding and utilizing this new paradigm in scholarly communication.

05.10 Examining the Effectiveness of a Novel Mental Skills Curriculum to Reduce Surgical Novices’ Stress

Posted on January 18, 2016

D. Stefanidis1,2, N. E. Anton1, L. D. Howley1, M. Pimentel1, C. K. Davis1, C. Brown3 1Carolinas HealthCare System,Carolinas Simulation Center,Charlotte, NC, USA 2Carolinas HealthCare System,Department Of Surgery,Charlotte, NC, USA 3Head In The Game Inc,Charlotte, NC, USA

Introduction:
Stress has been shown to negatively impact surgical performance, and surgical novices are particularly susceptible to its effects. Mental skills are psychological strategies designed to enhance performance and reduce the impact of stress to consistently facilitate the ideal mental conditions that enable performers to perform their best. Mental skills have been used routinely in other high-stress domains (e.g., with Navy SEALs, military pilots, elite athletes, etc.) to facilitate optimal performance in challenging situations. We have developed a novel mental skills curriculum (MSC) to aid surgical trainees in optimizing their performance under stressful conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of this MSC in reducing novices’ stress.

Methods:
The MSC was implemented with a convenience sample of surgical novices over 8 weeks. Two stress tests were administered prior to and after completion of the MSC to assess its effectiveness in reducing trainee stress. The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) is a validated method of measuring participants’ stress responses; it was implemented by giving participants ten minutes to prepare for an impromptu presentation, and five minutes to present it in front of a medical education expert who would be assessing them. The O’Connor Tweezer Dexterity Test (OTDT) is a test of fine motor dexterity; participants competed against each other in small groups who would complete the test the fastest. Such competition has been shown to cause acute stress in performers.

To assess stress, heart-rate (HR), perceived stress (STAI-6), and perceived workload (NASA-TLX) were completed during all testing sessions.

Results:
Nine novices (age 23 ±7 years, 55% women) completed the MSC. While heart rate increased significantly during all tests, participants perceived less stress during the TSST and OTDT tests (p<.05) after completion of the MSC. In addition, they reported significantly less workload during the second OTDT administration (p<.05) and showed a trend towards faster completion of this test (see table 1).

Conclusion:
The novel mental skills curriculum implemented in this study was effective at reducing surgical novices’ perceived stress and workload based on two validated stress tests. Although not statistically significant, participants’ enhanced performance during the OTDT is encouraging. This curriculum may be valuable to help surgical trainees and surgeons reduce intraoperative stress and increase patient safety in the operating room. Additional study utilizing a larger sample size is currently underway at our institution to validate the effectiveness of this curriculum.

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