Measurable learning effects after a 1-week skills course in digestive surgery.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the learning effects of a surgical skills course focussed on theoretical knowledge, anastomosis techniques and practical suturing skills in digestive surgery.


METHODS
One hundred eight participants of a 1-week skills course, comprising practical exercises in conventional and laparascopic digestive surgery, were asked to complete questionnaires (self-evaluation and course evaluation) and a theoretical knowledge test prior to the beginning (tp1) and at the end of the course (tp2). Thirty-six randomly selected participants performed a handsewn anastomosis at tp1 and at tp2, whereby the respective performance of each participant was recorded on video film and awarded a comparative rating (points score).


RESULTS
In regard to course expectations, 93.52% of the participants had expressed the objective to acquire knowledge in the field of standard surgical techniques, and 71.30% aimed to brush up their existing knowledge and skills. In this respect, participants' satisfaction at tp2 was recorded as high to very high. Confidence to carry out simple and more complex anastomosis was significantly increased (p < 0.001) at tp2. A significantly higher intestinal suture score (11.94 vs. 9.75) was attained at tp2 in a shorter time (176.22 vs. 277.11 s). The reduction in the time needed to complete the given task was accompanied by a corresponding improvement in the quality (p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Surgical skill courses constitute an effective component of surgical training with a sustained impact and, therefore, should be integrated into a future curriculum.
Department of General, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, Charité Universitary Medicine Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, Germany. joern.groene@charite.de
Jörn
J
Gröne
Jörg-Peter
JP
Ritz
Andrea
A
Stroux
Kai S
KS
Lehmann
Johannes C
JC
Lauscher
D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007422:Intestines / Q000601:surgery; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000193:education; D013997:Time Factors