Patients' experience of breast reconstruction after mastectomy and its influence on postoperative satisfaction.

Purpose: Breast cancer patients have the option to choose a breast reconstruction after mastectomy. A range of studies have postulated that patients' individually appraised significance of their breast is an important factor in the decision for or against breast reconstruction. This study explored the individually perceived significance of the breast among patients with and without breast reconstruction and its correlation with postoperative satisfaction.

Stress management training for surgeons-a randomized, controlled, intervention study.

Background: Stress and coping influence performance. In this study, we evaluate a novel stress management intervention for surgeons.

Methods: A randomized control group design was used.

The effects of stress and coping on surgical performance during simulations.

Objective: This study investigates the effects of surgeons' stress levels and coping strategies on surgical performance during simulated operations.

Methods: Thirty surgeons carried out each a non-crisis and a crisis scenario of a simulated operation. Surgeons' stress levels were assessed by several measures: self-assessments and observer ratings of stress, heart rate, heart rate variability, and salivary cortisol.

Simulated anaesthetists in high fidelity simulations for surgical training: feasibility of a training programme for actors.

Background: High fidelity simulations within the operating theatre (OT) require physical infrastructure and a full OT team. Such teams place heavy demands on clinical service. Research and training programmes in our surgical department were often compromised by the late cancellation of anaesthetists.

Communication skills for mobile remote presence technology in clinical interactions.

The use of mobile robotic units for teleconsultation means that the clinician's cognitive and attention skills are divided between tele-operation of the robotic unit and the consultation with the patient. We developed a communication guide based on evidence-based patient-centred interviewing and telephone conferencing skills. The communication guide was tested by five trainee surgeons in a pre- and post-test design.

Evaluation of a framework for case development and simulated patient training for complex procedures.

Background: Simulation for training and assessing clinicians is increasing but often overlooks the patient's perspective. In this paper, actors are trained to portray patients undergoing operations under local anesthetic within a high-fidelity simulated operating theater (SOT). There are few published accounts of approaches to case development and simulated patient (SP) training.

The effects of stress on surgical performance.

Background: Although the general literature on stress and performance is extensive, little is known about specific effects of stress in surgical practice. This qualitative study explored key surgical stressors, their impact on performance, and coping strategies used by surgeons.

Methods: Individual in-depth semistructured interviews with surgeons were analyzed by 2 researchers independently.