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FairShare evidence summary

Intraoperative active and passive breaks during minimally invasive surgery influence upper extremity physical strain and physical stress response

Original source published: 2023

The bottom line

Both active and passive intraoperative breaks reduced physical strain and the body's stress response in controlled conditions, suggesting even simple pauses have physiological value. This supports offering flexible break formats rather than insisting on one model. The outcomes were physical measures in surgeons, which may not capture the cognitive and vigilance benefits most relevant to anesthesia providers.

What the source found

Controlled trial demonstrating intraoperative active and passive breaks during minimally invasive surgery reduce upper extremity physical strain and stress response.

Limitations and applicability

Surgeon population; physical strain outcomes may not translate to cognitive/vigilance outcomes relevant to anesthesia.

Population and setting

Surgeons performing minimally invasive procedures

Read original publication

Used in FairShare guides

  • Break Relief, Fatigue, and Safe Handoffs

About this evidence

Research question / practical issue

How does this source inform Break Relief, Fatigue, and Safe Handoffs for the population it studied?

Study design, evidence tier, and source class

Peer Reviewed Rct · primary source · evidence tier 1

Source type: Peer Reviewed Rct · primary · Evidence tier 1

Topics: Break Relief, Fatigue, and Safe Handoffs

Audience: All Anesthesia Roles

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