Peer training in surgery: The SSuRF model approach

Abstract

Surgical training traditionally has been afforded an apprenticeship model of learning but has since strived to become a structured programme of learning events and progress. Peer led training in an undergraduate course is increasingly utilised but its role in postgraduate/speciality training is not widely published. This paper reviews the historical roots of surgical training and current educational theories which underpin the proposal of a new tool, the SSuRF approach, an innovate aide memoire to assist peer led technical/operative surgical training with the hope that this approach will allow peers, especially those who do not have much formal educational training, to teach those junior using a structured format and document this within their workplace based assessment. This contrasts with the rather tick box exercise that it is currently, and hence may promote a deeper learning throughout the teaching experience.