RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Impact of Mental Imagery on the Non-technical Skills of Anaesthesia Residents

Doctors training in anaesthesia often face high-pressure situations where quick thinking and teamwork are just as important as medical expertise. This study explores a technique called 'mental imagery' – where participants imagine themselves using a medical guide – to see if it helps improve these crucial 'non-technical skills,' such as communication, decision-making, and coping with stress. They also want to see if it helps with practical skills and knowledge. Participants will learn about resuscitating newborn babies, then be split into two groups: one will regularly practice mental imagery, and the other will simply re-read the guide. Their skills will be checked after six months to see if mental imagery made a difference.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Reims University hospital

Enrolment target

Start

27 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2025

no Condition is Studied the Focus of the Study is the Impact of Mental Imagery on Non Technical Skills of Medical Students

What is this study about?

Imagine you're a doctor in a busy hospital, and suddenly, there's an emergency. It's not just about knowing what to do medically; it's also about staying calm, talking clearly to your team, and making quick decisions. These are called 'non-technical skills,' and they're really important, especially for doctors training in anaesthesia and intensive care.

This study wants to find out if a technique called 'mental imagery' can help these trainee doctors get better at their non-technical skills. Mental imagery is like having a practice run in your mind – you imagine yourself going through the steps, using a medical guide, and dealing with different situations. This is already used in sports and surgery, and researchers think it could be very useful for future doctors.

Over six months, some participants will regularly practice mental imagery, while others will simply re-read the medical guide. The researchers will then carefully watch videos of simulated emergency situations to see if the mental imagery group shows better non-technical skills, and also if their practical skills and medical knowledge have improved.

Key takeaways

Exploring if mental practice improves doctor's skills.
Compares imagining a guide versus simply reading it.
Focuses on teamwork, decision-making, and communication.
Participants are trainee anaesthetists.
Study lasts for six months.
No new medicines are involved.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for doctors who are currently training in anaesthesia and intensive care. You need to be between 18 and 30 years old to take part.

To be included, you must be a volunteer and actively training in anaesthesia, whether it's your first, second, third, or fourth year of training.

If you decide you don't want to participate, then you would not be included in the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a doctor currently training in anaesthesia?
Are you between 18 and 30 years old?
Are you willing to volunteer for the study?
Are you able to commit to six months of participation?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll first receive some training on how to resuscitate newborn babies. After that, you'll be put into one of two groups by chance: either the 'mental imagery' group or the 'simple reading' group. Depending on your group, you'll repeat your training (either imagining the medical guide or just reading it) at set times over six months. At the end of these six months, your skills will be assessed through a simulated emergency, and you'll answer some knowledge questions. The study will last for a total of six months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help you improve important medical skills, which could benefit your career. There are no known physical risks associated with practicing mental imagery or reading. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and your medical care will not be affected. The information gained from this study could also help future doctors improve their training.

Locations (2)

CHU de Reims
Verified postcode
Reims, France· Enrolling by invitation
CHU de Reims
Verified postcode
Reims, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What are 'non-technical skills'?

These are skills like clear communication, making quick decisions, teamwork, and staying calm under pressure, which are vital in medical emergencies.

What is 'mental imagery'?

It's a technique where you imagine yourself going through a situation or using a guide in your mind, like a mental rehearsal.

How long will the study last?

The study will involve training and assessments over a period of six months.

Will I have to take any new medication?

No, this study does not involve any medication. It focuses on training methods.

Who will assess my skills?

Your skills will be assessed by experts who will watch videos of your performance, without knowing which training group you were in.

How to find out more

Daphné Michelet, Professor

dmichelet@chu-reims.fr +33 0326782537 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.