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Peer assisted learning in surgical skills laboratory training: a pilot study
J H Beard1, P O'sullivan, B J A Palmer
1UCSF, USA. jessica.beard@ucsfmedctr.org
Medical Teacher
|August 24, 2012
Summary
Peer assisted learning (PAL) in surgical training improves feedback quality. Guidelines enhance specific peer feedback, boosting resident motivation and skill development in surgical practice.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Peer Learning
Background:
- Peer assisted learning (PAL) is understudied in surgical skills training.
- Effective feedback mechanisms are crucial for skill acquisition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe feedback provided by surgical residents to peers.
- To assess the impact of guidelines on feedback quality and performance.
- To evaluate resident satisfaction with PAL.
Main Methods:
- Residents provided feedback on surgical skills (knot-tying with checklist, suturing without guideline).
- Feedback comments were analyzed, and expert performance scores were obtained.
- Participant satisfaction was assessed via questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Feedback was more frequent and specific when using guidelines.
- Specific feedback correlated with knot-tying performance but not suturing.
- Most residents found peer feedback helpful and felt motivated.
Conclusions:
- Surgical residents can deliver high-quality, specific feedback with performance guidelines.
- Further research into PAL methodologies for surgical skills training is warranted.
