IU Indianapolis ScholarWorks :: Browsing by Author "Stefanidis, Dimitrios"

Browsing by Author "Stefanidis, Dimitrios"

Now showing 1 - 10 of 51

A Roadmap to Surgical Education: A Scoping Review of Educational Needs in Surgery
(2024-04-26) Yan, Yichuan; Krusing, Madeline; Awad, MIchael; Stefanidis, Dimitrios
Purpose: Understanding the educational needs can help organizations like the Association for Surgical Education to develop relevant solutions. However, relevant literature is limited to know the needs. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the educational needs in surgical education literature. Methods: Following the PRISMA Statement guideline, we performed a scoping review with three search terms in two databases in tandem with three inclusion criteria to identify the literature pertinent to educational needs in surgery. Through content analysis of the abstracts of the identified literature, we inquired about the objectives, methods, data sources, and conclusions in each identified article to tease out the trends, specialties, participants, and topics of educational needs in surgical education literature. Descriptive statistics of frequency were used to present the data. Results: The PRISMA article selection procedures resulted in 212 peer-reviewed journal articles in the scoping review. The content analysis identified the trends of the needs in four areas including the trends of educational needs, surgical specialties, participants, and topics of educational needs. To synthesize the results of the data analysis, a heat map was created with the cross-section of the trends and topics of educational needs showing the hot topics and potential gaps in surgical education literature. Conclusions: The scoping review provides surgical educators and trainees an overview of the educational needs in the literature that can serve as a roadmap of educational needs to be taken into consideration by organizations like the ASE to help address the needs and advance the field.
Application of Mental Skills Training in Surgery: A Review of Its Effectiveness and Proposed Next Steps
(Liebert, 2017-05) Anton, Nicholas E.; Bean, Eric A.; Hammonds, Samuel C.; Stefanidis, Dimitrios; Surgery, School of Medicine
Introduction: Mental skills training, which refers to the teaching of performance enhancement and stress management psychological strategies, may benefit surgeons. Our objective was to review the application of mental skills training in surgery and contrast it to other domains, examine the effectiveness of this approach in enhancing surgical performance and reducing stress, and provide future directions for mental skills training in surgery. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, and ClinicalKey was performed between 1996 and 2016. Keywords included were mental readiness, mental competency, mental skill, mental practice, imagery, mental imagery, mental rehearsal, stress management training, stress coping, mental training, performance enhancement, and surgery. Reviews of mental skills interventions in sport and well-regarded sport psychology textbooks were also reviewed. Primary outcome of interest was the effect of mental skills on surgical performance in the simulated or clinical environment. Results: Of 490 identified abstracts, 28 articles met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. The majority of the literature provides evidence that mental imagery and stress management training programs are effective at enhancing surgical performance and reducing stress. Studies from other disciplines suggest that comprehensive mental skills programs may be more effective than imagery and stress management techniques alone. Conclusions: Given the demonstrated efficacy of mental imagery and stress management training in surgery and the incremental value of comprehensive mental skills curricula used in other domains, a concerted effort should be made to apply comprehensive mental skills curricula during surgical training.
Artificial Intelligence Methods and Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Metrics for Surgical Education: A Multidisciplinary Consensus
(Wolters Kluwer, 2022) Vedula, S. Swaroop; Ghazi, Ahmed; Collins, Justin W.; Pugh, Carla; Stefanidis, Dimitrios; Meireles, Ozanan; Hung, Andrew J.; Schwaitzberg, Steven; Levy, Jeffrey S.; Sachdeva, Ajit K.; Collaborative for Advanced Assessment of Robotic Surgical Skills; Surgery, School of Medicine
Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) methods and AI-enabled metrics hold tremendous potential to advance surgical education. Our objective was to generate consensus guidance on specific needs for AI methods and AI-enabled metrics for surgical education. Study design: The study included a systematic literature search, a virtual conference, and a 3-round Delphi survey of 40 representative multidisciplinary stakeholders with domain expertise selected through purposeful sampling. The accelerated Delphi process was completed within 10 days. The survey covered overall utility, anticipated future (10-year time horizon), and applications for surgical training, assessment, and feedback. Consensus was agreement among 80% or more respondents. We coded survey questions into 11 themes and descriptively analyzed the responses. Results: The respondents included surgeons (40%), engineers (15%), affiliates of industry (27.5%), professional societies (7.5%), regulatory agencies (7.5%), and a lawyer (2.5%). The survey included 155 questions; consensus was achieved on 136 (87.7%). The panel listed 6 deliverables each for AI-enhanced learning curve analytics and surgical skill assessment. For feedback, the panel identified 10 priority deliverables spanning 2-year (n = 2), 5-year (n = 4), and 10-year (n = 4) timeframes. Within 2 years, the panel expects development of methods to recognize anatomy in images of the surgical field and to provide surgeons with performance feedback immediately after an operation. The panel also identified 5 essential that should be included in operative performance reports for surgeons. Conclusions: The Delphi panel consensus provides a specific, bold, and forward-looking roadmap for AI methods and AI-enabled metrics for surgical education.
Attentional selectivity, automaticity, and self-efficacy predict simulator-acquired skill transfer to the clinical environment
(Elsevier, 2019-02) Anton, Nicholas E.; Mizota, Tomoko; Timsina, Lava R.; Whiteside, Jake A.; Myers, Erinn M.; Stefanidis, Dimitrios; Surgery, School of Medicine
Introduction Several studies demonstrated that simulator-acquired skill transfer to the operating room is incomplete. Our objective was to identify trainee characteristics that predict the transfer of simulator-acquired skill to the operating room. Methods Trainees completed baseline assessments including intracorporeal suturing (IS) performance, attentional selectivity, self-reported use of mental skills, and self-reported prior clinical and simulated laparoscopic experience and confidence. Residents then followed proficiency-based laparoscopic skills training, and their skill transfer was assessed on a live-anesthetized porcine model. Predictive characteristics for transfer test performance were assessed using multiple linear regression. Results Thirty-eight residents completed the study. Automaticity, attentional selectivity, resident perceived ability with laparoscopy and simulators, and post-training IS performance were predictive of IS performance during the transfer test. Conclusions Promoting automaticity, self-efficacy, and attention selectivity may help improve the transfer of simulator-acquired skill. Mental skills training and training to automaticity may therefore be valuable interventions to achieve this goal.
Augmenting mental imagery for robotic surgery using neurofeedback: results of a randomized controlled trial
(Springer Nature, 2023) Anton, Nicholas E.; Ziliak, Meredith C.; Stefanidis, Dimitrios; Surgery, School of Medicine
Background: Mental imagery (MI) can enhance surgical skills. Research has shown that through brain-computer interface (BCI), it is possible to provide feedback on MI strength. We hypothesized that adding BCI to MI training would enhance robotic skill acquisition compared with controls. Methods: Surgical novices were recruited. At baseline, participants completed the Mental Imagery Questionnaire (MIQ) and the Vandenburg Mental Rotation Test (MRT). Students also performed several tasks on a robotic simulator. Participants were stratified based on MIQ and robotic skill and randomized into three groups: controls, MI, and MI and BCI training. All participants completed five 2-h training sessions. One hour was devoted to practicing robotic skill on the simulator. Additionally, controls completed crosswords for one hour, the MI group completed MI training and crosswords for one hour, and the MI + BCI group completed MI training and MI-related BCI training. Following training, participants completed the same baseline assessments. A Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine differences between groups. Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to determine specific differences between groups. Results: Twenty-seven undergraduates participated. There were post-test differences on the MRT and knot tying task. Sub-analyses revealed that the MI + BCI group significantly outperformed the other groups on knot tying. There were no appreciable differences between the control and MI groups on any measures. Conclusions: Augmenting MI training with BCI led to significantly enhanced MI and robotic skill acquisition than traditional MI or robotic training methods. To optimize surgical skill acquisition in robotic and other surgical skills curricula, educators should consider utilizing MI with BCI training.
A behavioral rating system predicts weight loss and quality of life after bariatric surgery
(Elsevier, 2018-08) Hilgendorf, William; Butler, Annabelle; Timsina, Lava; Choi, Jennifer; Banerjee, Ambar; Selzer, Don; Stefanidis, Dimitrios; Pediatrics, School of Medicine
Background Bariatric surgery represents the most effective intervention for severe obesity available today; however, significant variability in postoperative outcomes exists. Effective tools that predict postoperative outcomes are needed for decision-making and patient counseling. Objectives We hypothesized that a validated behavioral assessment tool, the Cleveland Clinic Behavioral Rating Scale (CCBRS), would predict excess weight loss, health-related quality of life, depression, anxiety, and alcohol use after bariatric surgery. Setting Hospital in the United States. Methods A prospective observational study with 2-year planned follow-up was conducted with patients who completed a psychological clinical interview, the Short Form 36 (SF-36) v.2 Health Survey and brief self-report questionnaires measuring depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and alcohol use (AUDIT) preoperatively. At the conclusion of the preoperative psychological evaluation, the psychologist completed the CCBRS. All questionnaires were readministered at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess whether any CCBRS ratings predicted surgery outcomes. Results One hundred seventy-nine patients (113 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 66 sleeve gastrectomy) were included in the analyses. SF-36 scores, PHQ-9 scores, and the AUDIT total scores improved significantly after surgery, while GAD-7 scores did not change appreciably. Higher preoperative CCBRS ratings predicted higher SF-36 scores, and lower PHQ-9, GAD-7 and AUDIT scores. The CCBRS social support rating predicted higher postoperative percent excess weight loss. Conclusion A behavioral rating scale (CCBRS) completed before bariatric surgery predicted postoperative weight loss, quality of life, depression, and anxiety. Therefore, this tool may prove useful in patient counseling and expectation management before surgery.
Can a brief assessment of social support predict outcomes after bariatric surgery?
(Wiley, 2021-02) Hilgendorf, William; Monfared, Sara; Hassan Beygi Monfared, Sina; Athanasiadis, Dimitrios I.; Selzer, Don; Choi, Jennifer N.; Banerjee, Ambar; Stefanidis, Dimitrios; Surgery, School of Medicine
Social support is important to optimize bariatric surgery outcomes, but limited tools exist for brief and effective assessment preoperatively. The aims of the study were to determine the extent to which two ratings of social support can predict bariatric surgery outcomes, and to examine any associations between these two methods.In this retrospective study, patients were included for whom the Cleveland clinic behavioral rating system (CCBRS) and Flanagan quality of life scale (FQoLS) scores were obtained as part of their preoperative psychosocial evaluation. They were followed up for 6 to 24 months after bariatric surgery. Linear and logistic regressions were performed with patients' CCBRS and FQoLS scores as independent variables, and percent excess weight loss (%EWL), length of stay (LOS), complications, readmissions and loss to follow-up as dependent variables. The prediction of CCBRS ratings from FQoLS social support items was also evaluated. A total of 415 patients were included in the analysis. There were significant associations between the CCBRS and three of the four relevant FQoLS self-ratings. As CCBRS and FQoLS scores increased, complications decreased significantly. The CCBRS alone additionally predicted decreased length of hospital stay and approached significance for predicting decreased readmission rates. There were no associations between %EWL and behavior ratings. The degree of patients' social support is associated with important bariatric surgery outcomes. It is possible to obtain this valuable information via the administration of brief assessments prior to bariatric surgery.
Chylous ascites in the setting of internal hernia: a reassuring sign
(Springer, 2022-04) Athanasiadis, Dimitrios I.; Carr, Rosalie A.; Painter, Robert; Selzer, Don; Lee, Nicole Kissane; Banerjee, Ambar; Stefanidis, Dimitrios; Choi, Jennifer N.; Surgery, School of Medicine
BACKGROUND: Chylous ascites is often reported in cases with lymphatic obstruction or after lymphatic injuries such as intraabdominal malignancies or lymphadenectomies. However, chylous ascites is also frequently encountered in operations for internal hernias. We sought to characterize the frequency and conditions when chylous ascites is encountered in general surgery patients. METHODS: Data from patients who underwent operations for CPT codes related to open and laparoscopic abdominal and gastrointestinal surgery in our tertiary hospital from 2010 to 2019 were reviewed. Patients with the postoperative diagnosis of internal hernia were identified and categorized into three groups: Internal Hernia with chylous ascites, non-chylous ascites, and no ascites. Demographics, prior surgical history, CT findings, source of internal hernia, open or laparoscopic surgery, and preoperative labs were recorded and compared. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were found to have internal hernias and were included in our study. 80.3% were female and 86% had a previous Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure (RYGBP). Laparoscopy was the main approach for all groups. Ascites was present in 46% of the cases. Specifically, chylous ascites was observed in 27% of the total operations and was exclusively (100%) found in patients with gastric-bypass history. Furthermore, it was more commonly associated with Petersen's defect (p < 0.001), while the non-chylous fluid group was associated with herniation through the mesenteric defect (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Chylous ascites is a common finding during internal hernia operations. Unlike other more morbid conditions, identification of chylous ascites during an internal hernia operation appears innocuous. However, in the context of a patient with a history of RYGBP, the presence of chylous fluid signifies the associated small bowel obstruction is likely related to an internal hernia through a patent Petersen's defect.
A Competency-based Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Curriculum Significantly Improves General Surgery Residents’ Operative Performance and Decreases Skill Variability: Cohort Study
(Wolters Kluwer, 2022-12) Huffman, Elizabeth M.; Choi, Jennifer N.; Martin, John R.; Anton, Nicholas E.; Nickel, Brianne L.; Monfared, Sara; Timsina, Lava R.; Dunnington, Gary L.; Stefanidis, Dimitrios; Surgery, School of Medicine
Objective: To demonstrate the feasibility of implementing a CBE curriculum within a general surgery residency program and to evaluate its effectiveness in improving resident skill. Summary of Background Data: Operative skill variability affects residents and practicing surgeons and directly impacts patient outcomes. CBE can decrease this variability by ensuring uniform skill acquisition. We implemented a CBE LC curriculum to improve resident performance and decrease skill variability. Methods: PGY-2 residents completed the curriculum during monthly rotations starting in July 2017. Once simulator proficiency was reached, residents performed elective LCs with a select group of faculty at 3 hospitals. Performance at curriculum completion was assessed using LC simulation metrics and intraoperative operative performance rating system scores and compared to both baseline and historical controls, comprised of rising PGY-3s, using a 2-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum test. PGY-2 group’s performance variability was compared with PGY-3s using Levene robust test of equality of variances; P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Twenty-one residents each performed 17.52 ± 4.15 consecutive LCs during the monthly rotation. Resident simulated and operative performance increased significantly with dedicated training and reached that of more experienced rising PGY-3s (n = 7) but with significantly decreased variability in performance (P = 0.04). Conclusions: Completion of a CBE rotation led to significant improvements in PGY-2 residents’ LC performance that reached that of PGY-3s and decreased performance variability. These results support wider implementation of CBE in resident training.
Demonstrating the effectiveness of the fundamentals of robotic surgery (FRS) curriculum on the RobotiX Mentor Virtual Reality Simulation Platform
(Springer, 2021-04) Martin, John Rhodes; Stefanidis, Dimitrios; Dorin, Ryan P.; Goh, Alvin C.; Satava, Richard M.; Levy, Jeffrey S.; Surgery, School of Medicine
Fundamentals of robotic surgery (FRS) is a proficiency-based progression curriculum developed by robotic surgery experts from multiple specialty areas to address gaps in existing robotic surgery training curricula. The RobotiX Mentor is a virtual reality training platform for robotic surgery. Our aims were to determine if robotic surgery novices would demonstrate improved technical skills after completing FRS training on the RobotiX Mentor, and to compare the effectiveness of FRS across training platforms. An observational, pre-post design, multi-institutional rater-blinded trial was conducted at two American College of Surgeons Accredited Education Institutes-certified simulation centers. Robotic surgery novices (n = 20) were enrolled and trained to expert-derived benchmarks using FRS on the RobotiX Mentor. Participants’ baseline skill was assessed before (pre-test) and after (post-test) training on an avian tissue model. Tests were video recorded and graded by blinded raters using the Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS) and a 32-criteria psychomotor checklist. Post hoc comparisons were conducted against previously published comparator groups. On paired-samples T tests, participants demonstrated improved performance across all GEARS domains (p < 0.001 to p = 0.01) and for time (p < 0.001) and errors (p = 0.003) as measured by psychometric checklist. By ANOVA, improvement in novices’ skill after FRS training on the RobotiX Mentor was not inferior to improvement reported after FRS training on previously published platforms. Completion of FRS on the RobotiX Mentor resulted in improved robotic surgery skills among novices, proving effectiveness of training. These data provide additional validity evidence for FRS and support use of the RobotiX Mentor for robotic surgery skill acquisition.

Browsing by Author "Stefanidis, Dimitrios"

Results Per Page

Sort Options