Mental preparation: Tools for optimizing surgical performance and managing perioperative stress

Abstract

The hospital can be a hostile environment where many stress-producing situations may arise that require professionals to maintain their composure to avoid potentially damaging effects for patients and themselves. Mental preparation includes techniques aimed at optimizing individual and collective performances by improving one's mental capacity and cognitive abilities. Although widely adopted in settings such as high-level sports, the armed forces and aeronautics, these techniques are still infrequently used in surgery. This update describes practical tools for mental preparation that are specifically tailored to the needs of surgeons, enabling them to manage situations of intense stress in a rational manner. Everything starts with recognition of the stress (the surgeon's own and that of the team) and the identification of the causes. We propose a non-exhaustive list of simple and pragmatic techniques to help surgeons to quickly regain lucidity and analytical skills, essential in high-risk situations. The methods presented are organized according to the different peri-operative phases (before, during and after surgery) and are inspired by proven practices in other disciplines where error is not allowed. Although this overview is not meant to replace regular training or practice, it is an attempt to structure this particular aspect of surgical practice, and replies to a growing demand, especially from the younger generations of surgeons.

Keywords: Acute stress; Mental preparation; Review; Soft skills; Surgery.