Comparison of Veterinary Student Ability to Learn 1-Handed and 2-Handed Techniques for Surgical Knot Tying.
OBJECTIVE
To determine which type of surgical hand-tie trainee surgeons learn most readily in a laboratory setting, using a combination of audiovisual demonstration and one-on-one teaching.


METHODS
Randomized controlled learning trial.


METHODS
Year 4 veterinary students in their 1st year of clinical training (n = 58).


METHODS
Veterinary students entering clinical rotations were randomly allocated to 2 learning groups: 1-handed (28 students) or 2-handed (30 students) surgical ties. Knot tying technique was taught followed by three 15-minute practice sessions with student progress recorded by filming each student tying a square knot (2 throws). All 3 knot tying attempts were scored for technique and knot formation. Data on potential confounding factors between groups, including age and gender, were recorded.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences between group scores for each attempt (1st attempt P = .5; 2nd P = .2; 3rd P = .19). Initially, scores indicated more rapid learning in the 1-handed group but fewer individuals achieved a perfect technique and knot after 60 minutes of learning (29/30 for 2-handed; 24/28 for 1-handed group). The 1-handed group was the most error-prone (after 45 minutes P < .01; after 60 min P < .01).


CONCLUSIONS
Over 95% of students in the 2-handed group performed the technique and knot perfectly after 60 minutes learning time; were significantly less error-prone and fewer students continued to make corrected errors after 60 minutes. This evidence indicates that the 2-handed technique allows students to achieve success in a manageable teaching time.
Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Angharad C J
AC
Thomas
Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Graham M
GM
Hayes
Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Jackie L
JL
Demetriou
D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D013522:Surgery, Veterinary / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000662:veterinary*; D013997:Time Factors; D000818:Animals