Student Views on the Use of 2 Styles of Video-Enhanced Feedback Compared to Standard Lecture Feedback During Clinical Skills Training

Feedback plays an important role in the learning process. However, often this may be delivered in an unstructured fashion that can detract from its potential benefit. Further, students may have different preferences in how feedback should be delivered, which may be influenced by which method they feel will lead to the most effective learning. The aim of this study was to evaluate student views on 3 different modes of feedback particularly in relation to the benefit each conferred.

Undergraduate medical students participating in a surgical suturing study were asked to give feedback using a semi-structured questionnaire. Discrete questions using a Likert scale and open responses were solicited. Students received either standard lecture feedback (SLF), individualized video feedback (IVF), or enhanced unsupervised video feedback (UVF).

Students had a strong preference for IVF over UVF or SLF. These responses correlated with their perception of how much each type of feedback improved their performance. However, there was no statistical difference in suturing skill improvement between IVF and UVF, which were both significantly better than SLF.

Students have a strong preference for IVF. This relates to a perception that this will lead to the greatest level of skill improvement. However, an equal effect in improvement can be achieved by using less resource-demanding UVF.