Can medical students achieve skills proficiency through simulation training?

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Skills Training
• Simulation-Based Learning

Background:

• Simulation laboratory training is increasingly used in medical education.
• Assessing proficiency in technical skills is crucial for junior medical students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if third-year medical students can attain proficiency in open technical skills via simulation laboratory training.
• To assess the effectiveness of a structured curriculum in developing surgical skills.

Main Methods:

• A curriculum involving bladder catheterization, breast examination, and knot-tying was administered to 204 third-year medical students.
• Proficiency was measured using global rating scales and objective, model-based metrics.

Main Results:

• All students achieved proficiency in catheterization and breast examination, with over 90% reporting increased self-rated comfort.
• For knot-tying, 83% completed the curriculum, and proficiency rates were 57% (2-handed) and 44% (1-handed).
• Significant improvements in objective performance scores and comfort ratings were observed for knot-tying tasks (P < .001).

Conclusions:

• Structured simulation training enables junior medical students to achieve proficiency in fundamental surgical skills.
• Objective performance metrics and self-reported comfort levels validate the effectiveness of this training approach.