EP 109: Keylime+ X Emergency Mind - Learning to Perform Under Pressure
Oct 29, 2024
auto_awesome
Julie Law, a PGY-5 surgical resident at Queen's University, dives into the high-stakes world of medical training. She discusses the vital role of simulation in preparing for real-life pressures and the challenges of applying theoretical knowledge during emergencies. The conversation highlights the need for introspection to enhance performance, balancing patient safety with training effectiveness. Additionally, they explore the importance of building trust and empathy in patient interactions, emphasizing that performance under pressure can indeed be cultivated through thoughtful training.
The gap between theoretical medical knowledge and practical application under pressure highlights the need for specialized training that adapts to real-world challenges.
Understanding and managing cognitive load is essential for medical trainees to optimize their performance during high-pressure scenarios while minimizing burnout.
Deep dives
The Disconnect Between Knowledge and Application
There is often a significant gap between theoretical knowledge in medicine and its practical application in high-pressure situations. This disconnect can lead to feelings of inadequacy among medical professionals when they struggle to perform despite having the requisite knowledge. Participants in the discussion noted that this challenge is not unique to emergency medicine but is prevalent across all medical specialties. This struggle illustrates the complexity of translating learned information into effective action, emphasizing the need for training that targets knowledge delivery under stress.
Cognitive Load and Performance Under Pressure
Cognitive load plays a crucial role in the ability of medical trainees to perform effectively under pressure, especially during rigorous training like simulations. Medical residents experience overwhelming information and environments, particularly in surgical training, which can impede their ability to deliver care confidently. The conversation highlighted the importance of recognizing the balance between sufficient pressure for optimal performance and excessive stress that can lead to burnout. Understanding and managing this cognitive load is essential for improving training outcomes and preparing future healthcare professionals for real-world scenarios.
Introspection and Personal Growth in Medical Training
The ability to introspect and reflect on one’s own experiences is vital for medical trainees as they navigate the challenging landscape of their education. Developing these skills enables individuals to identify personal stress signals and adapt their responses to pressure. The discussion emphasized that while some trainees may naturally excel at self-reflection, others may require guidance and structured opportunities to cultivate this critical skill. Fostering introspection within medical training not only enhances personal growth but also improves overall performance in high-pressure situations.
Collaborative Learning Across Disciplines
Engagement with mission-critical teams outside of medicine, such as those in aviation or firefighting, provides valuable insights that can enhance medical training and performance. By exploring how different fields manage pressure and decision-making, medical professionals can adopt best practices that improve their effectiveness in acute situations. The conversation stressed that learning from diverse industries can challenge established norms within medicine and promote innovative approaches to training. Ultimately, collaboration fosters a richer understanding of performance under pressure and cultivates a more adaptable, skilled workforce.
In this episode of the Emergency Mind Podcast, host Dan collaborates with the Key Lime Plus Podcast from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Joined by Dr. Adam Szulewski and Dr. Julie Law, they discuss the dynamics of performing under pressure from the perspectives of students and teachers. They explore the use of simulation in medical training, the concept of cognitive load, and the challenges of translating book knowledge into real-world practice. The conversation highlights the importance of introspection, the potential of measuring cognitive overload through technology, and the intersection of patient safety with performance training. The episode also emphasizes the need for a holistic training pipeline that prepares medical professionals to deliver high-stakes care efficiently and effectively.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode