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.
Naylor
Rebekah A
RA
Department of Surgery, Southwestern Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9156, USA. rebekah.naylor@utsouthwestern.edu
Hollett
Lisa A
LA
Valentine
R James
RJ
Mitchell
Ian C
IC
Bowling
Monet W
MW
Ma
A Moe
AM
Dineen
Sean P
SP
Bruns
Brandon R
BR
Scott
Daniel J
DJ
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