Role of Peer Learning in Students' Skill Acquisition and Interest in Plastic Surgery.

Abstract

Before and after participating in a 60-minute suturing workshop, preclinical medical students completed a cloud-based questionnaire that evaluated the changes in their suturing confidence and interest in pursuing a career in different surgical subspecialties. Eighty-five medical students (52 females and 33 males), with an average age of 22.9 ± 3.6 years participated in this study. Before the workshop, 95% of participants perceived their suturing ability to be at a beginner's level and reported that they have not received sufficient suturing training during their medical education to date. Their self-reported confidence in suturing was 1.9 ± 2.1 out of 10. Following the workshop, participants' confidence in their surgical skills increased by 165% (P < 0.001, partial eta2 = 0.695). Moreover, 82% reported increased interest in a career in surgery associated with their participation in the workshop. Plastic surgery, general surgery, and otolaryngology were the top 3 specialties that experienced an augmented increase in interest following the workshop. Finally, plastic surgery was the specialty perceived as requiring the most surgical skills by the majority of the students. A 60-minute basic skills suturing workshop significantly improved preclinical medical students' confidence in their surgical skills, and increased their interest in surgery.