title: Predicting surgical skill acquisition in preclinical medical students.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to identify factors that predict medical student success in acquiring invasive procedural skills. We hypothesized that students with interest in surgery and with prior procedural experience would have higher rates of success.
  
  
  METHODS
  Preclinical students were enrolled in a simulation course comprised of suturing, intubation, and central venous catheterization. Students completed surveys to describe demographics, specialty interest area, prior experience, and confidence. Using linear regression, variables predictive of proficiency were identified.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-five participants completed the course. Under univariate analysis, composite pretest score was inversely associated with confidence (P = .039). Under multivariable analysis, female gender was associated with higher pretest suturing score (P = .016). Male gender (P = .029) and high confidence (P = .021) were associated with greater improvement in suturing.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Among novices, higher confidence can predict lower baseline technical proficiency. Although females had higher pretest suturing scores, high confidence and male gender were associated with the greatest degree of improvement.
authors: Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
authors: Allison N
authors: AN
authors: Martin
authors: Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
authors: Yinin
authors: Y
authors: Hu
authors: Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
authors: Ivy A
authors: IA
authors: Le
authors: Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
authors: Kendall D
authors: KD
authors: Brooks
authors: Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
authors: Adela
authors: A
authors: Mahmutovic
authors: Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
authors: Joanna
authors: J
authors: Choi
authors: Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
authors: Helen
authors: H
authors: Kim
authors: Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA. Electronic address: skr3f@virginia.edu.
authors: Sara K
authors: SK
authors: Rasmussen
mesh_terms: D002321:Career Choice; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D005260:Female; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D059032:Learning Curve; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012737:Sex Factors; D013337:Students, Medical; D013536:Suture Techniques
keywords: Invasive skills; Medical education; Medical students; Preclinical; Skill acquisition; Surgical simulation