Comparison of multiple training models of surgical rotation for third-year medical students A prospective study

We decided to compare five different teaching models to provide the best training for third-year medical students during their Surgical Rotation.

Group A got a standard rotation. Group B came to the ward once a week at half morning, spent 1 hour with the tutor and the rest of the morning with residents. Group C was divided into smaller groups, each one assigned 2 times to the ambulatory, to the ward and to the pre-admission service. Group D came to the ward once a week at early morning, spent 2 hours with the tutor and the rest of the morning with residents. Group E was divided in 2 smaller groups that were admitted 3 times in the OR and in the ward. Students filled in an initial and final knowledge-evaluation questionnaire

All the Groups showed a positive learning curve. Group B showed the highest improvement (p=0.0001). Group A and Group E showed statistically significant improvements, (p=0.002 and p=0.03). Most of Group A and B students declared that their experience was poor regarding medical examination, while the majority of Group C and E defined their experience satisfactory.

Group B demonstrated the most significant growth and good appreciation from students, but also Group E and Group C showed a high appreciation rate, maybe due to the stimulating activity in the operative room and ambulatory. We propose a synthesis of these models as the best approach, with less crowed groups and ward, ambulatory and OR activities.

General surgery, Medical students, Surgical education, Surgical clerkship, Students training, Surgical rotation.