Start small and aim big in conducting a basic surgical skills workshop for medical students

Abstract

Introduction: Medical students (MS) may lack the knowledge and experience in performing basic surgical skills (BSS) when they first commence their postgraduate surgical training. We conducted a pilot BSS workshop with specific learning outcomes for MS. Methods: Our BSS workshop program consisted of reading the pre-workshop online modules, watching the instructional videos of skills demonstration, and completing the pre-workshop multiple-choice questions (MCQ). MS attended the onsite workshop a week later, which consisted of a basic surgical theory lecture, live demonstration of the skills by the teaching faculty and, supervised skills training coupled with feedback. Surgical skills taught were knot tying, suturing techniques, laparoscopic peg transfer, precision cutting, application of endoloop ties. A standardised surgical skills rubric was used to assess the competency and safety of BSS. A post-workshop MCQ was administered to assess the knowledge learned. The criteria for successful completion of BSS were a satisfactory grade in the surgical skills assessment and a pass score in the MCQ. Results: All the participating MS achieved a satisfactory grade in the surgical skills assessment and passed the MCQ. Several pedagogical methods were used to enhance knowledge learning and practical skills competency including a flipped classroom in blended learning, technology-enhanced learning, kinesthetic learning, and providing effective feedback. Conclusion: MS taught in BSS workshop can achieve competency in knowledge, skills, safe attitude and prepare them for future postgraduate surgical training. In the current COVID-19 pandemic, our challenge is to develop similar BSS in a safe environment using technology-enhanced tools such as online instructional videos and online feedback.