title: A Model of Basic Surgical Skills Course to Supplement the Training of Foundation-Year Doctors by Efficient Use of Local Resources.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study investigates the efficiency of teaching basic surgical skills to foundation-year doctors and medical students by using local resources.
  
  
  METHODS
  A course comprising 4 workshops, once a week, of 3 hours duration per session was delivered using local education center facilities and using the local faculty of consultants and surgical trainees. Teaching methods include practical skill stations supplemented with short didactic lectures and group discussion. Precourse and postcourse assessments were completed by candidates and analyzed to measure outcomes of the course both subjectively and objectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total number of 20 participants completed the course. On completion of the course, (1) participants' theoretical knowledge improved significantly (p < 0.0001), as measured by multiple-choice questions, and scores improved by 35% (mean 44%, standard deviation = 16%) before the course compared to (mean = 79%, standard deviation = 13) after the course; (2) the level of confidence in knowledge and skills was measured by a questionnaire on a scale of 1 to 5, and there was a significant (p < 0.0001) improvement on postcourse assessment (mean difference = 1.5, 95% CI: 0.7-2.4); and (3) practical skills such as suture position, knot tying, and wound apposition significantly improved after the course, χ(2) (2) = 16, p < 0.001; χ(2) (2) = 18, p < 0.001; and χ(2) (2) = 22, p < 0.0001, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Effective delivery of basic surgical skills to foundation-year doctors by using local resources can be achieved at low cost.
authors.affiliation: Department of Colorectal Surgery, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom. Electronic address: eddama@doctors.org.uk.
authors.forename: Mohammad M R
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Eddama
authors.affiliation: Department of Colorectal Surgery, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Pratik
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.affiliation: Department of Colorectal Surgery, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McCullough
authors.affiliation: Department of Colorectal Surgery, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Franks
authors.affiliation: Department of Colorectal Surgery, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Clinton
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: John
authors.affiliation: Academic Department of Surgery, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Marilena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Loizidou
authors.affiliation: Department of Colorectal Surgery, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Richard Charles
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Cohen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D017145:Models, Educational; D016730:Program Development; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Patient Care; Practice-Based Learning and Improvement; Systems-Based Practice; medical education (education, medical); skills, clinical (clinical competence); surgical procedures, minor (minor surgical procedures); suture technics (suture techniques); traineeships (training support)