Can medical students achieve skills proficiency through simulation training?
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to determine whether third-year medical students can become proficient in open technical skills through simulation laboratory training.


METHODS
A total of 204 students participated in a structured curriculum including bladder catheterization, breast examination, and knot-tying. Proficiency was documented using global rating scales and validated, objective, model-based metrics.


RESULTS
For catheterization and breast examination, all trainees showed proficiency, and self-rated comfort increased in more than 90%. For knot-tying, 83% completed the curriculum; 57% and 44% of trainees showed proficiency for 2- and 1-handed tasks, respectively. Objective performance scores improved significantly for 2- and 1-handed knot-tying (62.9-94.4 and 49.2-89.6, respectively; P < .001) and comfort rating also increased (28%-91% and 19%-80%, respectively; P < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
Objective scores and trainee self-ratings suggest that this structured curriculum using simulator training allows junior medical students to achieve proficiency in basic surgical skills.
Department of Surgery, Southwestern Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9156, USA. rebekah.naylor@utsouthwestern.edu
Rebekah A
RA
Naylor
Lisa A
LA
Hollett
R James
RJ
Valentine
Ian C
IC
Mitchell
Monet W
MW
Bowling
A Moe
AM
Ma
Sean P
SP
Dineen
Brandon R
BR
Bruns
Daniel J
DJ
Scott
D001940:Breast; D002982:Clinical Clerkship; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008348:Manikins; D010808:Physical Examination; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013337:Students, Medical; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013781:Texas; D014546:Urinary Catheterization; D014743:Videotape Recording