Multi-Task versus Single-Task Training of Laparoscopic Surgical Skills: Performance and Kinematic Outcomes.

Multi-task training involves the simultaneous conduction of a cognitively demanding task whilst practicing technical skills. We investigated if it would promote automaticity on learnt technical skills and enhance multi-tasking ability. Thirty-eight-fifth-year medical students without prior laparoscopy experience were recruited to learn a peg transfer task. They were randomized to use either the multi-task (n = 17) or the traditional single-task training approach (n = 21) until they reached proficiency. The multi-task group had to listen to and count the number of high and low pitch tones randomly generated by a computer. Both groups were later tested under a multi-task test condition. Both groups could maintain their task completion time within proficiency level (p = 0.24). However the single-task training group needed more hand movements to maintain their proficiency level during the testing session (p = 0.025); the multitask training group did not (p = 0.391). The analysis on the distraction measure showed that both groups were equally distracted when required to multi-task during the test session (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the multi-task training approach is feasible for technical skills training in surgery. It may promote the automaticity of learnt technical skills, which spares more cognitive resources for trainees to be multi-tasking on nontechnical skills during surgery. Future studies may examine the neural mechanisms underlying the promoted automaticity induced by the multi-tasking training approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]