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Purpose <p>Mindfulness, defined as nonjudgmental present-moment awareness, has been shown to improve cognitive control, reduce stress, and enhance performance in high-pressure environments. In surgical training, where technical skill and emotional regulation are both critical, mindfulness-based interventions may support skill acquisition and readiness. This feasibility study evaluates the integration of mindfulness practices into surgical skills training for interns.</p> Methods <p>Incoming surgical interns at a tertiary, academic medical center were offered mindfulness training during orientation. The intervention included: (1) guided meditations in surgical skills training as a “warm-up” and (2) self-guided use of the Healthy Minds Program, meditation-based, smartphone app. During surgical skills testing in July and surgical simulation sessions throughout the year, participants “warmed up” by listening to guided meditations that focused on present-moment mindfulness while practicing with simulation materials. Non-participants used “warm-up” time freely. Data on prior meditation experience, app usage, and participant feedback were collected and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.</p> Results <p>Of 21 interns, 20 (95%) participated in guided meditation warm-ups. Thirteen (65%) used the Healthy Minds app. Fourteen (67%) provided qualitative feedback; all reported perceived benefits. The most common benefit was a calming or grounding effect (71%), followed by improved focus during skills performance (29%). Mind-wandering related to work stressors was the most frequently reported challenge (36%).</p> Conclusions <p>Integrating guided meditation into surgical simulation training was feasible, highly acceptable, and well-received by interns. These findings support standardized implementation of mindfulness-based interventions in surgical education.</p>

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Integrating mindfulness training into surgical skills simulation for surgical interns: a feasibility study

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月6日

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  • Alexandra Helbing,
  • Emma Huston,
  • Paul DiMusto,
  • Alexander Chiu,
  • Dawn Elfenbein,
  • Sydney Tan

摘要

Purpose

Mindfulness, defined as nonjudgmental present-moment awareness, has been shown to improve cognitive control, reduce stress, and enhance performance in high-pressure environments. In surgical training, where technical skill and emotional regulation are both critical, mindfulness-based interventions may support skill acquisition and readiness. This feasibility study evaluates the integration of mindfulness practices into surgical skills training for interns.

Methods

Incoming surgical interns at a tertiary, academic medical center were offered mindfulness training during orientation. The intervention included: (1) guided meditations in surgical skills training as a “warm-up” and (2) self-guided use of the Healthy Minds Program, meditation-based, smartphone app. During surgical skills testing in July and surgical simulation sessions throughout the year, participants “warmed up” by listening to guided meditations that focused on present-moment mindfulness while practicing with simulation materials. Non-participants used “warm-up” time freely. Data on prior meditation experience, app usage, and participant feedback were collected and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Of 21 interns, 20 (95%) participated in guided meditation warm-ups. Thirteen (65%) used the Healthy Minds app. Fourteen (67%) provided qualitative feedback; all reported perceived benefits. The most common benefit was a calming or grounding effect (71%), followed by improved focus during skills performance (29%). Mind-wandering related to work stressors was the most frequently reported challenge (36%).

Conclusions

Integrating guided meditation into surgical simulation training was feasible, highly acceptable, and well-received by interns. These findings support standardized implementation of mindfulness-based interventions in surgical education.