Retention of suturing and knot-tying skills in senior medical students after proficiency-based training: Results of a prospective, randomized trial.
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated suturing skills performance and retention in senior medical students (MS4) at the beginning of their fourth year and 7 months later.


METHODS
MS4 students entering a surgery specialty were randomized to a proficiency-based suturing/knot-tying curriculum at the beginning of fourth year (Intervention, n = 11) versus no training (Control, n = 10). Time and technical proficiency (TP, proficiency ≥3) were assessed at baseline and 7 months. Performance was compared with past "Boot-Camp" MS4, categorical PGY-1 interns and PGY-2 residents. Data are mean ± SD.


RESULTS
At baseline, Intervention and Control MS4 had similar total task times (848 ± 199 vs 845 ± 209 seconds) and TP scores (1.8 ± 0.15 vs 1.8 ± 0.3). At 7 months, Intervention MS4 total task times were faster (549 ± 80 vs 719 ± 151 seconds, P < .01) and mean TP scores greater (3.3 ± 0.6 vs 2.1 vs 0.4, P < .001) than Control MS4. Intervention MS4 also performed better at 7 months than Boot-Camp MS4 (662 ± 171 seconds and 2.6 ± 0.5, P < .04) and were similar to PGY-1 interns (601 ± 74 seconds, TP 2.7 ± 0.7 seconds) and end of PGY-2 residents (475 ± 81 seconds and 3.6 ± 0.3 seconds).


CONCLUSIONS
A proficiency-based suturing and knot-tying curriculum taught early in the fourth year results in improved MS4 performance compared with no training or a traditional "boot camp" program.
Department of Surgery and Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO.
Victoria
V
Gershuni
Julie
J
Woodhouse
L Michael
LM
Brunt
D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013337:Students, Medical; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000193:education*