Efficacy of simulation teaching in training of medical students for surgical basic skills

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect and feasibility of simulation teaching on the acquisition and retention of basic surgical clinic skills for eight-year medical program. Methods 46 clinical medical students of eight-year medical program in 2012 grade in Peking University Third Hospital were randomized to a simulation training (experimental group) or a traditional teaching (control group) for surgical skill training curriculum during a period of 3 weeks. Students were tested with objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) scoring system after training and 1 year later. Results 46 students completed all models training and post-training assessments. OSATS scores were higher in experimental group compared with control group (t=9.194, P=0.001). After 1 year, this effect persisted with OSATS scores still being significantly higher in experimental group (t=14.140, P=0.001). The simulation teaching method was approved by most of students through the questionnaire survey. Conclusions Simulation teaching improves technical efficiency. Retesting can further evaluate advantages of simulation teaching. Key words: Simulation teaching; Eight-year medical students; Surgical basic skills; Effect