Visuospatial ability factors and performance variables in laparoscopic simulator training

Visuospatial ability has been shown to be important to several aspects of laparoscopic performance, including simulator training. Only a limited subset of visuospatial ability factors however has been investigated in such studies. Tests for different visuospatial ability factors differ in stimulus complexity, in their emphasis on identifying visual stimuli in a cluttered context, and in the demands they make on speed of processing. To help clarify the involvement of visuospatial ability factors in laparoscopic performance the current study investigated the role of four such factors in laparoscopic simulator performance. Twenty four students participated in a two-month course, consisting of eight weekly, half-hour laparoscopic simulator training sessions. Before the start of this course four visuospatial ability factors were measured. Learning curves were based on the simulator performance variables of (task) Duration, Motion efficiency, and Damage. The visuospatial ability factor Visualization impacted Damage and Motion efficiency. The factor Spatial relations impacted Damage. Visuospatial ability factors measuring the ability to mentally manipulate complex to moderately complex stimuli are more important than other visuospatial ability factors during basic laparoscopic simulator training. A finding relevant to theories of skill development is that the impact of Visualization on learning curves for Damage and Motion efficiency was most evident during early- and late (but not middle) training, which may be an indicator of a switch between different phases of skills learning. Learning curves and repeated measures analyses indicated damage control should be emphasized in laparoscopic skills training.     

The Good Working Mother: Managerial Women’s Sensemaking and Feelings About Work–Family Issues

We use a sensemaking lens to explore how women managers experience and articulate work–life concerns upon their return to paid work following maternity leaves. We focus on 11 women who held different types of managerial positions, including vice presidents, circulation managers, and human resources experts. We found that our participants re‐framed the good mother image into a good working mother role that fit their lifestyles and interests. To accomplish this reframing, participants engaged in three thematic processes supportive of the good working mother image: (a) good working mothers arrange quality child care; (b) good working mothers are (un)equal partners; and (c) good working mothers feel pleasure in their working mother role. These themes and image were both ironic and fragile constructions of working motherhood. Because these themes and images enable participants to make sense of and establish the worth of working motherhood to family members, friends, acquaintances, organizational members, and community members, they provide a reason why middle‐ or upper‐class working and stay‐at‐home mothers may be in conflict about work and family choices.