Table 3 Terms encompassing ‘mental simulations’ in surgery or surgical education in review

Schuster et al. [40]

To identify the characteristics of ‘mental imagery training sessions’ (MITS) ‘with positive results’ and compare across disciplines and identify ‘fundamental intervention designs’

Mental imagery, mental practice, mental rehearsal, mental movements, eidetic imagery, visual imagery, guided imagery; motor imagery, mental training.

Cocks et al. [38]

To explore how the specific principles of mental practice can be applied to the improvement of surgical performance – both in novice and expert surgeons.

Mental practice, mental imagery, mental rehearsal, motor rehearsal.

Sevdalis et al. [41]

To explore the role of mental imagery and mental practice in surgical training and performance.

Mental practice, mental imagery, mental rehearsal.

Rao et al. [37]

To evaluate the role of mental training in the acquisition of surgical technical skills.

Mental training, mental imagery, technical skills, surgical training.

Davison et al. [39]

To determine the role of mental training in surgical education and the feasibility of its incorporation in surgical curricula.

Cognitive training, mental training, mental rehearsal, brain training.

Anton et al. [36]

To identify how mental skills training has been applied in surgery and examine its effectiveness in enhancing surgical performance and reducing stress.

Mental practice, mental rehearsal, mental imagery, mental readiness, mental competency, Mental skills training; performance enhancement; stress management training; stress coping